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Application Deadline: 8 September 2025

Applications are now open for the 2026 SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme. The Tholoana Enterprise Programme supports entrepreneurs to become successful and resilient business owners through extensive entrepreneurial skills development, mentorship and access to markets, finance and practical business tools and templates.

Upon acceptance, participants will undergo a comprehensive journey of self-assessment, goal setting, and strategic growth planning tailored to their business needs. The programme provides inclusive wrap-around support, including mental health assistance, to help entrepreneurs achieve their full potential.

Entrepreneur requirements

  • The applicant has high moral and ethical standards and a desire to contribute to the economy of South Africa
  • The applicant should be resilient, self-motivated and driven to succeed.
  • The applicant should show a willingness to learn, grow and change.
  • The applicant should show entrepreneurial and leadership abilities.
  • The applicant is involved in the daily operations and management of the business on a full-time basis and is not employed by any other organisation.
  • The applicant is a South African citizen.
  • The applicant has the skills and experience necessary for the type of business they are engaged in.
  • The applicant is looking for business support, mentorship and skills training to take their business to the next level.
  • The applicant is committed to full participation in the programme over the18-month period.
  • The applicant is open to change and willing to drive new strategies to support the growth of their business.

Business requirements

  • The business is at least 51% *black-owned and managed.
  • The business creates jobs.
  • The business is in the early stages of growth.
  • The business is operational and has been trading for at least 12 months.
  • The business should be a going concern, commercially sustainable and viable.
  • The business is headquartered and registered (if applicable), within South African borders.

The Journey

The 18-month journey includes a core programme of five practical and inspiring business-skills workshops, a series of financial management interventions, ongoing one on one mentorship, access to a range of business growth initiatives that include, investment readiness support, brand building initiatives, market readiness support, access to markets, etc.

Participants expectation

  • Participate fully in all programme elements, peer groups and business growth interventions.
  • Meet all milestones agreed upon.
  • Complete all baseline and yearly surveys as requested, for a period of five years.
  • Regularly engage with your mentor, ensuring that you utilise their knowledge and support.
  • Submit monthly business data including simple online financial reports.
  • Maintain open, two-way communications with our friendly team.
  • Show positive, entrepreneurial spirit and demonstrate a willingness to listen, learn and grow.
  • Share ideas, think big, and help yourself and others to succeed!

Benefits

Leadership Development

  • Successful businesses are built on a combination of business skills, personal skills and leadership skills

Practical skills development

  • Five dynamic workshops form an important part of the programme and attendance at these sessions is compulsory

Mentoring and coaching

  • Participants have access to a personal mentor for up to four hours per month. In addition to the mentor, ongoing support and guidance from portfolio coordinators and the programme manager is on offer.

Online information sessions

  • A number of online information sharing sessions will take place over the course of the programme. These sessions contribute to knowledge sharing, skills building and peer learning and networking.

Market readiness interventions:

  • A wide variety of bespoke market readiness interventions are available for business leaders to select from in alignment with their market readiness needs including brand building, sales and marketing tools, media opportunities, etc.

Access to resources:

  • Participants will have access to resources in the fields of legislation and compliance, business development, market access, access to finance and media relations.

Performance tracking:

  • The monitoring and evaluation of business data allows the team to identify individual challenges that require support interventions. This data also allows the Tholoana Enterprise Programme team to track the performance, giving an overview that shows your performance in relation to your peers. Financial information, management accounts and jobs data are submitted on a monthly basis.

Peer-to-peer community and networking:

  • In addition to the networking opportunities facilitated at the workshops, a digital peer-to-peer platform enables participants to share information, collaborate and discuss common challenges. Active participation in peer group activities is required.

Financial Management Support

  • Financial Management Support: Effective financial management is key to the success of any business, yet it is an element of business management that most entrepreneurs find overwhelming. The Tholoana Programme has curated a series of Financial Interventions that will ensure our entrepreneurs are financially savvy, confident and investment ready

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme