The Disability Empowerment Awards programme is aimed at entrepreneurs and social enterprises whose products, services or business models respond to real barriers faced by women, youth, people living in rural areas and persons with disabilities. The focus specifically on solutions that expand economic access and participation for persons with disabilities, including assistive technologies, inclusive employment models and income-generating initiatives. 

The awards offer funding, alongside tailored mentorship, technical support and business development assistance to help strengthen and scale early-stage ventures.

In partnership with the Medunsa Organisation for Disabled Entrepreneurs (MODE), at a grassroots level we also work to equip persons with disabilities with skills and knowledge. This serves as a pipeline for entrepreneurs with disabilities for the Tholoana Enterprise Programme.

Since 2015, the programme has invested over R37 million in funding and business development support, backing more than 50 innovators. These ventures collectively employ more than 1400 people and support over 5 800 livelihoods.