The SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme is a national initiative designed to support entrepreneurs in South Africa who are working to build viable, sustainable businesses with long-term growth potential. Since its inception in 2015, the programme has assisted hundreds of entrepreneurs across sectors, equipping them with skills, mentorship, and access to resources to create jobs and scale their enterprises.
Programme Overview
The Tholoana Enterprise Programme offers an 18-month growth journey that combines entrepreneurial skills development, mentorship, market readiness interventions, and financial management support.
Key features include:
- Practical business skills workshops.
- Tailored mentorship and one-on-one coaching.
- Market access opportunities and readiness support.
- Financial and investment preparedness.
- Peer-to-peer networking and a national support community.
The programme emphasizes historically disadvantaged groups, including black entrepreneurs, women, youth, persons living with disabilities, and business owners in rural areas.
Eligibility Criteria
Entrepreneur Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be resilient, motivated, and committed to business growth.
- Lead their businesses full-time (not employed elsewhere).
- Demonstrate entrepreneurial and leadership capabilities.
- Possess the skills and experience relevant to their industry.
- Commit to fully participating in the 18-month programme.
- Maintain ethical business standards and a vision for economic contribution.
Business Requirements
Eligible businesses must:
- Be at least 51% black-owned and managed.
- Have been operational for at least 12 months.
- Show potential for sustainability, job creation, and long-term growth.
- Be registered or headquartered in South Africa.
- Operate in growth sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, technology, agro-processing, transport, finance, or mining.
Ineligible Applications
The programme does not accept:
- Non-operational or concept-phase businesses.
- Non-profit organisations (NPOs/NGOs).
- Franchises.
- Businesses in sectors such as gambling, tobacco, or other restricted industries.
- Applicants seeking bursaries, event sponsorships, or donations.
Programme Journey
Once accepted, entrepreneurs embark on a structured 18-month development process, which includes:
- Workshops (10 days total): Covering leadership, strategic planning, costing, sales, HR, and financial management.
- Mentorship (72 hours): Up to four hours per month with an assigned mentor.
- Online Learning (40 hours): Information sessions and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange.
- Market Readiness Initiatives (15 days): Support in branding, media, sales, and market entry.
- Financial Management Interventions: Tools and training to ensure financial literacy and investment readiness.
- Quarterly On-Site Visits & Ongoing Reporting: For performance tracking and tailored support.
Participants also gain access to a national peer community, enabling collaboration and shared growth opportunities.
Selection Process
- Applications: Open 4 August – 8 September 2025 via online submission.
- Shortlisting: Applications are reviewed, with approximately 60 entrepreneurs selected.
- Approval: Finalists are chosen by an investment committee.
- Programme Participation: Involves structured growth interventions, reporting, and mentorship.
Expectations from Participants
Selected entrepreneurs are expected to:
- Fully participate in all programme activities and milestones.
- Submit monthly financial and performance reports.
- Engage actively with mentors and the peer network.
- Demonstrate a willingness to adapt and grow their businesses.
- Maintain ongoing communication with the programme team.
The SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme 2025 presents a significant opportunity for South African entrepreneurs to access skills, mentorship, and market opportunities that can accelerate sustainable business growth. With its strong focus on inclusion, job creation, and long-term impact, the programme continues to play a pivotal role in shaping resilient businesses that contribute to South Africa’s economy.