Deadline: September 8, 2025
The SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme 2025 is now open for applications, offering ambitious South African entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to access tailored business support, mentorship, training, and growth resources. This two-year programme is specifically designed to empower entrepreneurs from underserved sectors, including women, youth, people with disabilities, and rural communities.
Applications close on September 8, 2025, and entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses are encouraged to apply.
About the SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme 2025
The Tholoana Enterprise Programme is a structured 18- to 24-month business support initiative that equips entrepreneurs with practical skills, expert guidance, and growth opportunities. Participants gain access to leadership training, personalised mentorship, market readiness support, and a robust peer-to-peer business network.
This initiative is committed to fostering long-term economic impact by supporting businesses that have the potential to create jobs and drive sustainable growth in South Africa.
Key Benefits of the Programme
Entrepreneurs accepted into the programme will receive:
- Leadership Development to build resilience, innovation, and adaptability.
- Five Mandatory Practical Workshops, covering:
- Personal transformation and leadership skills
- Strategic planning for business growth
- Costing and pricing for profitability
- Sales and marketing strategies
- HR management, accounting, and financial management
- Mentorship and Coaching, with up to four hours of personalised support monthly, alongside specialist advice in technical, compliance, and investment readiness areas.
- Online Information-Sharing Sessions to encourage networking and peer learning.
- Market Readiness Interventions such as brand-building, sales tools, and tailored media opportunities.
- Access to Resources including business development, legislation, compliance, finance, and media support.
- Performance Monitoring, with regular tracking of financials, management accounts, and jobs data.
- Networking and Community Building through workshops and digital platforms.
- Financial Management Support designed to help businesses become investment-ready and financially sustainable.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility for Entrepreneurs
Applicants must:
- Be resilient, self-motivated, and driven.
- Demonstrate entrepreneurial and leadership abilities.
- Work full-time in their business (not employed elsewhere).
- Be a South African citizen.
- Show relevant skills and experience.
- Commit to full participation for the programme’s duration (approx. 18 months).
- Uphold high moral and ethical standards while contributing positively to the South African economy.
Eligibility for Businesses
To qualify, businesses must:
- Be at least 51% black-owned and managed.
- Be in the early growth stage, operational for a minimum of 12 months.
- Function as a going concern, commercially viable and sustainable.
- Be headquartered and registered in South Africa.
- Demonstrate the ability to create jobs.
- Ideally operate in high-impact sectors such as:
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Technology
- Agro-processing
- Real estate
- Finance
- Mining
- Transport
- Show potential for long-term growth, job creation, and possibly export or import substitution.
Application Process
Applications for the SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme 2025 are now open. Interested entrepreneurs should prepare documents that highlight:
- Business ownership structure
- Registration certificates
- Financial records
- Proof of full-time involvement in business operations
The application deadline is September 8, 2025.
Summary of Key Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Deadline | September 8, 2025 |
| Programme Length | ~2 years |
| Support Areas | Training, mentorship, market access, financial management, resources, monitoring, networking |
| Who Can Apply | South African entrepreneurs with ≥51% black-owned businesses that are job-creating and sustainable |
Final Thoughts
The SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme 2025 is more than just a training opportunity – it is a transformative platform for South African entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses, create jobs, and make a meaningful economic impact. If you are a dedicated entrepreneur with a vision for growth, this programme offers the tools, networks, and resources you need to thrive.
👉 Click here to apply
👉 Read more about the programme
📌 For professional proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact grantsdatabase.org
