Nedbank ReNEW is an acceleration program focused on circular economy businesses that can create jobs for young people while reducing environmental harm. Managed by Impact Amplifier, funded by the Nedbank Foundation, and delivered with Circular South Africa, the program blends business development support with catalytic funding to help ventures scale proven models. Applications are open until 9 October 2025, with selected companies receiving targeted mentorship and potential funding to reach clear milestones.
Program overview
- Acceleration initiative targeting waste-related circular economy solutions that can operate profitably in low-income communities
- Management by Impact Amplifier, funding from Nedbank Foundation, partnership with Circular South Africa
- Goal to accelerate 30 entrepreneurs, support job creation, and stimulate South Africa’s circular economy ecosystem over the next 12 months
Who should apply
- Ventures focused on recycling, reuse, upcycling or waste-to-product models, with asset-light approaches
- Companies that are at least 51 percent South African owned and headquartered in South Africa
- Teams with at least one full-time founder or CEO, with strong encouragement for youth-led and women-led businesses to apply
Funding and support
- Funding available between R100,000 and R1,000,000 per venture, deployed in milestone based tranches over 6 to 12 months
- Six month program combining virtual group sessions with one-to-one mentorship
- Practical business support from Nedbank, including banking services, insurance and SME tools
Selection criteria
- Post revenue stage with demonstrable commercial potential
- Open to all circular economy sectors, with emphasis on clear impact on youth employment and environmental outcomes
- Preference for strong teams, South African ownership and applicants from underserved provinces, applicants prepare a two minute innovation pitch video
Key dates and process
- Applications are open now and reviewed on a rolling basis until the deadline
- Final application deadline is Thursday, 9 October 2025
- Funding is competitive and not guaranteed for all program participants, given limited availability
How to apply
- Submit an application through the official ReNEW page
- Join the listed WhatsApp community for program updates and engagement
- Apply for the amount of capital needed to achieve specific growth milestones, rather than defaulting to the maximum
Nedbank ReNEW positions circular economy entrepreneurs to validate and expand sustainable business models that create jobs and reduce waste. The program’s mix of structured acceleration, milestone based funding and practical banking support offers a clear pathway for South African founders to scale responsible growth.