Do you have a viable, black-owned small business that would benefit from mentorship, business support and access to funding?
If so, you should consider applying for SAB Foundation’s Tholoana Enterprise Programme, which is inviting interested parties to apply for inclusion in its next intake. Successful candidates will receive mentorship, access to skills training workshops and other business support, as well as grant finance which will be disbursed upon the completion of certain milestones. The increased focus on Business Development Services is a shift for the Tholoana Programme, which previously only provided grant funding.
“Last year, we conducted a survey amongst past recipients of support from the Tholoana Enterprise Development Fund, and the consistent feedback we received was that many of our entrepreneurs expressed the wish for mentorship and skills training in support of their growth. The grant funds were welcome and beneficial, but we believe that the impact of our investment in these businesses will be far greater if the funding is paired with business support, ” explains Bridgit Evans, Manager of the SAB Foundation.
“For this reason, we have partnered with small business growth specialists Fetola for this year’s Tholoana programme, and will be offering an integrated suite of business support for successful candidates, which is very exciting for us, ” she adds. The Tholoana Enterprise Programme primarily supports enterprises that benefit or are run by women, the Youth and those living in rural and peri-urban areas. The SAB Foundation is especially keen to create opportunities for disabled entrepreneurs, who are strongly encouraged to apply.
“We want to make an impact in those communities, areas and regions that are often under-resourced and have limited opportunities. That said, we are looking for the best candidates, and will only consider organisations with a proven business concept and potential for growth, ” concludes Evans.
If you are an entrepreneur or business owner based in Free State or KwaZulu – Natal with a registered business that has been in operation for at least six months and less than five years, you may be eligible for the programme. Visit www.sabfoundation.co.za to review the entry criteria and submit an application – the application process opens on 1st August and closes at 12h00 on 21st August 2015.
