AWS South Africa has opened applications for the 2024 edition of the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), aimed at ICT-focused SMEs.
- The programme has successfully supported 27 local SMEs since 2020 and aims to add another 20 success stories.
- Participating SMEs will be part of a global cohort of over 120,000 AWS Partner Network (APN) businesses, gaining access to Amazon systems, skills, and knowledge.
- The 18- to 24-month partner acceleration programme provides assistance to black-owned SMEs in launching their businesses.
- Through the programme, participating SMEs will have access to local and international market opportunities, contributing to job creation and economic growth.
- AWS South Africa is committed to empowering growth from within, offering funding, training, and business development support to SMEs.
- The EEIP will focus on empowering female and youth entrepreneurs in 2024, with past participants having helped secure over 150 jobs for South African youth.
SMEs that use technology to deliver industry solutions and meet the criteria of level one exempted micro enterprises or qualifying small enterprises in line with the Amended ICT Sector Codes on Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment are eligible to apply. The application deadline is 12 April, and successful applicants will be onboarded by the end of July. Further details and the application process can be found on the AWS website.