The Tholoana Enterprise Programme is an 18-month programme designed to empower entrepreneurs from all business sectors to build successful and sustainable businesses.
It stands out as a sought-after opportunity for high-potential business owners who desire success. Upon acceptance, participants undergo a holistic process of self-assessment, goal-setting, and strategic growth planning, tailored to meet the specific needs of each business. The programme focuses on nurturing business growth, fostering resilience, and creating a thriving network of opportunities for participants long after completion.
Who can apply?
- Applicants must be fully operational for at least 12 months.
- The business needs to be 51% black-owned and managed.
- The business must be headquartered in South Africa.
- The business must be managed full-time by the applicant.
- The applicant has the skills and experience necessary for the type of business they are engaged in.
One of our flagship programmes, 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.
The programme is one of the very few supporters of rural businesses and businesses that are outside of major supply chains. Although one of the goals is to assist these businesses in accessing corporate supply chains, often they also provide goods and services to geographic areas in which they were previously unavailable.
With this programme, we invest in entrepreneurs – with a particular emphasis on women, youth, people living in rural areas and persons with disabilities – who show the potential and commitment to grow a business and create jobs. This is done through a structured, two-year business support programme, seed-funding and assisting with access to markets.
Applications open once a year, with the businesses showing the most potential and commitment with about 60 new entrepreneurs being brought onto the programme per annum.
The Tholoana Enterprise Programme is a wonderful opportunity for businesses with the desire to succeed and are poised to scale. The 18-month journey will:
- Build your personal and professional confidence
- Increase your profitability
- Give you access to growth tools
- Enhance your business skills
- Introduce you to like-minded business leaders
- Enable you to access finance
- Help you find clients and access new markets
To find out more about the programme or apply, visit the SAB Foundation website. Applications close at midday on 9 September 2024.
Puleng Motupa, the owner of Motupa PJ Enterprise and an alumnus of the Tholoana Enterprise Programme said: “I was taught how to run my business on the Tholoana Programme and now I know how to market my products and approach potential clients and wholesalers.”
Soweto Sunrise News
