Applications are now open for the SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme, with this year’s intake focused on entrepreneurs who have already proved that their businesses work and are ready to build them for growth.
The flagship 18-month programme is looking for commercially proven South African businesses that are either already growing or demonstrably poised for growth. Applicants should have paying customers, recurring commercial revenue, evidence of market demand and a viable business model, together with a credible opportunity to reach more customers, enter larger or more formal markets and create jobs.
Importantly, the programme is not looking only for businesses that already have sophisticated systems or consistently rising revenue. A commercially viable business may have strong customer demand but need better financial management, stronger operations, a bigger team or a clearer route to market before it can take advantage of its next opportunity.
“Your business works. Where could it go next?” is the question at the heart of this year’s recruitment campaign.
“For this intake, we are being much more deliberate about the businesses we believe Tholoana can help move forward,” says Sarah Mthintso, Executive Director of the SAB Foundation.
“We are looking for entrepreneurs who have already demonstrated that there is a real market for what they do, but who can also see what needs to change for the business to grow. That may mean strengthening financial management or operations, building a team, changing the way they lead or preparing to pursue larger market opportunities.
“We are also looking closely at the entrepreneur. Building a bigger, stronger business often requires the founder to make difficult decisions, delegate, professionalise the way the business operates and be willing to change personally as the business changes.”
Every entrepreneur selected for the Tholoana Enterprise Programme begins with a structured diagnostic that considers the entrepreneur, the business’s current capabilities, its market opportunity and the constraints limiting its growth.
From there, participants work with dedicated business-growth mentors towards defined growth outcomes and practical milestones. Support is tailored to the needs of each business and can include leadership, operations, financial management, market access and investment readiness.
Market access is an integral part of the programme. Participants work to understand priority customers, strengthen their value proposition and route to market, and prepare to pursue credible opportunities with larger or more formal markets.
Tholoana brings a substantial track record to the new intake. Between January 2015 and March 2025, the programme supported 786 entrepreneurs. Of 635 entrepreneurs tracked across 11 cohorts, 95% of their businesses were still operational. Collectively, tracked businesses increased turnover by 128%, from R553 million to R1.2 billion, and created 2,215 new jobs.
Who should apply?
Applicants must be South African citizens, majority shareholders and key decision-makers who work full-time in their businesses. Businesses must be at least 51% black-owned and managed, headquartered and registered in South Africa, have traded consistently for at least two years and be commercially sustainable and viable.
They must also be able to demonstrate recurring commercial revenue, a verifiable sales history and evidence of repeat customer demand, such as recurring customers, repeat sales, purchase orders or contracts.
The SAB Foundation is particularly encouraging applications from businesses owned by women, youth and persons with disabilities, and enterprises based in or meaningfully serving rural and township communities. Businesses linked to productive value chains, local procurement, import substitution, export opportunities and sectors with strong growth potential will also receive priority consideration.
The Tholoana Enterprise Programme is not intended for businesses that are still at idea, concept or market-validation stage, or businesses primarily seeking rescue or survival funding.
How to apply
Applications open on 8 September 2026 and close on 13 October at midday.
Applications will undergo eligibility screening, shortlisting and verification. Due diligence, interviews and site visits may also form part of the selection process. Apply at: www.sabfoundation.co.za/tholoana-enterprise-programme