The Social Innovation Awards programme is designed for entrepreneurs and social enterprises that are developing products, services, or business models to address significant barriers encountered by women, youth, individuals in rural areas, and persons with disabilities. The initiative recognizes innovators with prototypes or early-stage businesses that are actively tackling social challenges in sectors including health, housing, rural livelihoods, energy, water, and financial inclusion.
Program Benefits and Support
• Funding: Financial awards to support venture growth.
• Mentorship: Access to tailored guidance from experienced professionals.
• Technical Support: Assistance with specific technical challenges.
• Business Development: Support to help strengthen and scale early-stage ventures.
Program Impact Since 2015
• Total Investment: Over R88.9 million has been invested in funding and business development support.
• Innovators Supported: The program has backed 203 social innovators.
• Job Creation: Supported ventures have collectively created over 4,000 jobs, representing a 150% increase.
• Livelihoods Supported: These ventures support over 16,000 livelihoods.
• Turnover Growth: A 204% increase in turnover has been observed across the supported ventures.
Eligibility and Focus Areas
• Target Applicants: Entrepreneurs and social enterprises with prototypes or early-stage businesses.
• Core Mission: Must address real barriers faced by women, youth, people living in rural areas, and persons with disabilities.
• Key Sectors: Ventures may operate in areas such as health, housing, rural livelihoods, energy, water, and financial inclusion.
Application Timeline
• Applications Open: 10 February 2026
• Applications Close: 16 March 2026 (midday)
The Social Innovation Awards provide a platform for early-stage ventures to gain critical support and scale their impact. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026 cohort, offering a significant opportunity for social innovators to advance their solutions to pressing societal challenges.