Let’s grow the South African economy – One SME at a time

The SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme is looking for entrepreneurs who are passionate and dedicated to growing the economy and creating jobs

Can you imagine your business growing by 144% annually and creating nine new jobs for your community? SiyaBuddy Recycling is a business on the SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme who is doing just that.

South Africa is full of young, inspired, and passionate entrepreneurs who are working tirelessly to change the path South Africa is on. The SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme is looking for businesses who have the potential for growth and the desire to create jobs. Applications for the SAB Foundation Tholoana Programme open on 1 August 2019.

The programme invests in entrepreneurs, particularly women, youth, people in rural areas and persons with disabilities. The structured 18-month programme offers entrepreneurs skilled mentorship, business development tools and workshops, powerful peer networks, access to finance, and support throughout their time on the programme.

The SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme yields remarkable results and businesses on the programme have an average annual growth rate of 33%. Across the Tholoana intakes, participants have achieved a 22% annual growth in jobs, which alleviates one of the triple threats we face in South Africa.

Past and present participants continue to achieve incredible things in their businesses. Wayne Mansfield of Fruitfield Farm recently won the Agricultural Excellence Award from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Sipamandla Manqele of Local Village and Ndlovu Nomuntu of SiyaBuddy Recycling are among the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans.

Director of the SAB Foundation, Bridgit Evans says: “We want to make a lasting impact and we want these entrepreneurs to succeed. What sets this programme apart from others is that the entrepreneurs are not just another number – they are individuals and there is a personal touch throughout the programme. We value their personal and professional wellbeing.”

To find out more about the SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme or to apply, click here.