Hero's Training header image for entrepreneurs.

30 Years of Small Business Experience

Helping Pretoria entrepreneurs unlock the full potential of their businesses

Our Mission

Hero's helps entrepreneurs unlock the full potential of their small businesses.

We guide business owners with practical one-on-one coaching and training to improve performance, reduce wastage, and increase profits. With over 30 years of hands-on small business experience, we help you take control, plan confidently, and ensure the sustainability of your business.

Every Hero's programme builds good stewardship and accountability.

Our History

The beginning: 1996
Hero's started in 1996 when Gary Bonner took over the Small Business Training Division of the Small Business Development Corporation in Gauteng. SBDC Ltd., founded by Dr Anton Rupert in 1979, became an equity partner. Gary launched SBDC Training Services on February 1, 1996, with four branches across Gauteng.
The rebrand: Hero's
SBDC Ltd. became Business Partners Ltd. This led to rebranding the training division as Hero's Small Business Training. The name fit the mission: entrepreneurs are the heroes of the economy. Hero's stands for "Helping Entrepreneurs Realise Opportunities.
Building the business
Gary and his wife Debbie grew the business steadily over the years. Short, practical, small group training courses formed the backbone of Hero's for more than two decades. Thousands of business owners learned fundamental skills through these programmes.
The shift to coaching: 2018
A pattern emerged. Business owners attended training courses, learned valuable skills, but struggled to implement them. Daily business pressures took over. Knowledge did not translate into action.
Hero's changed focus in 2018. Training alone was not enough. Business owners needed ongoing accountability and practical guidance to implement what they learned.
Business coaching became the primary service.
Today
More than 500 small business owners have completed Hero's coaching programmes. At any time, over 30 clients work with Hero's coaches on different programmes. Short training courses and ad hoc consultation services remain available, but coaching drives the business.
Our philosophy
Three principles guide everything Hero's does:
  • You know exactly what you need to do. You just need Hero's to coach you on how to do it.
  • Brilliance lies in simplicity.
  • Greater efforts lead to greater profits.
Why this matters
Over 30 years, Hero's has trained and coached more than 10,000 entrepreneurs. Corporate clients include Bayer, Eskom, Old Mutual, Liberty, RMI, Telkom, and SANDF.
But the heart of the business remains small business owners in Pretoria who need practical guidance, not corporate theory.
We know each client and business is different. Cookie-cutter solutions do not work. We take a customised approach to your specific challenges, your market, and your goals.
We meet you where you are. Some businesses need structure and systems. Others need immediate cash flow fixes. We adapt our coaching to what your business needs most, right now.

Gary and Debbie understand small business reality because they live it every day.

Meet the Owners

Gary Bonner - CEO and Owner

Gary grew up in Port Elizabeth and attended Grey High School. He graduated from U.P.E. in 1982 with a B.Com degree and obtained a B.Com Honours from UNISA in 1985.

After four years in banking, Gary joined the Small Business Development Corporation. He worked there for nine years before launching Hero's in 1996.

Gary leads the business as CEO, Head of Marketing, and Lead Coach. He brings over 30 years of direct small business experience to every coaching engagement.

Gary is married to Debbie, his business partner. They have three professionally qualified children in the medical and legal fields.

Debbie Bonner - Operations Manager and Owner

Debbie grew up in Port Elizabeth and attended Collegiate School for Girls. She graduated from U.P.E. in 1982 with a BA degree in Industrial Psychology and Sociology.

Debbie joined Gary at Hero's in 1996. She manages operations and works as a business coach specialising in niche markets.

Debbie ensures every client receives personalised attention and that coaching programmes run smoothly from first contact through completion.

Ready to Work With Us?

Hero's Training header image showcasing motivation and empowerment.
Business Coaching & Training for Owners Who Want Clarity, Growth and Control
537 Ruddell Street Bailey's Muckleneuk Pretoria, 0181
Gary Bonner: 082 903 4175
Debbie Bonner: 082 330 2025
SMS "Coach" to 31022
© 2026 Hero's. All rights reserved.