The SAB Foundation is excited to announce the opening of applications for its highly regarded Tholoana Enterprise Programme. Known for its continuous success over the years, this programme offers a unique opportunity for high-potential small business owners dedicated to personal and business growth.
This 18-month programme aims to empower entrepreneurs across all business sectors, with a focus on encouraging participation from women, youth, individuals in rural areas, and persons with disabilities.
“Our past participants have described their experience as life-altering, transformational, and holistically developmental,” says Itumeleng Dhlamini, Head of Programmes at the SAB Foundation. “Many of these inspiring individuals have seen positive growth in turnover for their businesses and have been able to create more employment opportunities as a result.”
“As one of our flagship programmes, the Tholoana Enterprise Programme aims to support entrepreneurs in becoming successful and resilient business owners through extensive skills development, mentorship, access to markets, finance, and practical business tools,” she adds.
Alumnus Mampho Sotshongaye, founder of the civil engineering company Golden Rewards and recipient of the Tholoana Enterprise Award 2023, stated, “Through the incredible support I received, I was able to improve my company structures and systems, increase the number of my employees from 85 to 132, and grow my turnover by more than 55%.”
Participants accepted into the programme will embark on a comprehensive journey of self-assessment, goal setting, and strategic growth planning tailored to their business needs. The programme provides inclusive wrap-around support, including mental health assistance, to help entrepreneurs achieve their full potential.
“We strive to ensure balanced representation from all nine provinces, including peri-urban and rural areas,” Dhlamini adds. “Successful applicants will receive extensive business skills development, one-on-one mentorship, and coaching, which are key to participants’ success.”
Renowned for its significant impact on South African communities, the Tholoana Enterprise Programme has supported over 650 businesses, with 50% owned by women, 57% by youth, and 3% by persons with disabilities. These business owners have achieved a combined turnover increase of R475 million since the programme’s inception.
“We call on entrepreneurs who are committed to success to apply and achieve business success,” Dhlamini concludes. “This will be the start of their journey with us, and they can look forward to becoming part of a thriving network of opportunities long after completion.”
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be fully operational for at least 12 months.
- The business needs to be 51% black-owned and managed.
- The business must be headquartered in South Africa.
- The business must be managed full-time by the applicant.
- The applicant must have the skills and experience necessary for the type of business they are engaged in.
Preference will be given to:
- Enterprises run by or benefiting persons with disabilities.
- Women and youth-owned businesses.
- Peri-urban and rural enterprises.
- Enterprises that create jobs in areas with few other opportunities.
Applications are open from August 1 to September 9, 2024, at midday.