The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) celebrated the successful graduation of the fourth cohort of its SME Rise Enterprise Accelerator, delivered by the JSE in collaboration the UK–South Africa Tech Hub (an initiative of the UK Government) underscoring the programme’s role in helping South African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) scale sustainably, create jobs and access growth opportunities. The cohort’s achievements highlight the tangible impact that targeted business support, market access and funding can have on high-potential enterprises.
The JSE SME Rise programme is the JSE’s flagship enterprise platform designed to support high-growth SMEs by improving access to markets, funding readiness, strategic partnerships and business development opportunities. Working alongside collaborators such as the UK–South Africa Tech Hub, the programme brings together a broad ecosystem of support to help entrepreneurs access opportunities that would otherwise remain out of reach. By strengthening entrepreneurial businesses, SME Rise contributes to economic growth, job creation and the development of a stronger pipeline of market-ready and investment-ready companies.
The Programme provides a structured twelve-month growth journey that equips SMEs with practical tools, mentorship and strategic support to strengthen leadership capability, improve business systems, enhance governance and prepare businesses for scale. It combines diagnostic assessments, mentorship, business planning, AI readiness, funding readiness support and governance training to help entrepreneurs transition from founder-led operations into sustainable, growth-oriented businesses.
The fourth cohort of the Accelerator Programme delivered strong results across several key growth indicators. Participating businesses achieved a combined revenue growth of R88.8 million, created 134 new jobs and secured more than R37 million in funding during the programme. All participating businesses completed AI-readiness roadmaps and 10 of the 14 SMEs were assessed as investment ready by the end of the programme. The cohort also secured 68 new commercial contracts, facilitated more than 14 market-access partnerships and saw three businesses actively pursuing international expansion opportunities.
These outcomes reflect the programme’s broader impact on participating businesses. SMEs reported stronger leadership capability, improved governance structures, more disciplined operational processes, enhanced use of technology and data, and greater readiness to engage with investors and commercial partners. Several businesses successfully evolved their business models, diversified revenue streams and entered new markets, creating a stronger platform for long-term growth.
Beyond capability building, the JSE continues to support SMEs through its Enterprise Development Programme. During the programme period, more than R7.6 million in enterprise development funding was disbursed to participating SMEs.
“SMEs are a critical driver of economic growth, innovation and job creation in South Africa. The success of this cohort demonstrates what can be achieved when entrepreneurs are supported through a collaborative ecosystem that combines market access, funding opportunities, mentorship and strategic partnerships,” said Vuyo Lee, Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer at the JSE. “Through SME Rise, the JSE remains committed to making a meaningful and measurable contribution to South Africa’s SME ecosystem by helping businesses strengthen governance, improve investment readiness and create lasting economic value. Collaborations such as the one with the UK–South Africa Tech Hub allow us to extend that impact even further by opening doors to broader networks, capital and markets.”
“SME Rise demonstrates the power of purposeful public-private partnerships to unlock practical growth pathways for South African entrepreneurs. By bringing together the JSE’s market infrastructure, private-sector expertise and the UK–South Africa Tech Hub’s commitment to inclusive digital and economic growth, we are helping SMEs strengthen their investment readiness, access new markets and build businesses capable of creating sustainable jobs and long-term impact,” said Milisa Mabinza, Director of the UK–South Africa Tech Hub.
As the programme continues to evolve, the JSE remains focused on strengthening the SME ecosystem by connecting entrepreneurs to strategic opportunities while building a robust pipeline of growth stage businesses capable of creating jobs and driving inclusive economic growth.