Phumza Matwele, Founder of Sha’p Left Medstore is grateful for the empowerment programme from the SAB Foundation
Helping small businesses grow, create jobs, and transform communities across South Africa.
Johannesburg, South Africa- Small business owners now have the opportunity to elevate their businesses, as applications are open for the SAB Foundation’s 2025 Tholoana Enterprise
Programme.
Over the past decade, the program has helped over 675 entrepreneurs grow their businesses and increase turnover by a total of R475 million, creating jobs and boosting the economy.
The program aims to create opportunities in underprivileged communities.
“We started with one shop in Khayelitsha. Today, we operate four shops, supported by a trained team of eight, and we have plans to expand into more communities across South Africa. The SAB Foundation’s Tholoana Enterprise Programme gave us a solid start, improving stock, marketing, and opening our newest branch.” Phumza Matwele, Founder of Sha’p Left Medstore.
“Many of our alumni have described the programme as a turning point that has reshaped both their business and personal journeys,” says Itumeleng Dhlamini, Head of Programmes at the
SAB Foundation. “By combining practical enterprise support with leadership development and mental health support, we are fostering a new generation of resilient, capable, values-driven, and
future-ready entrepreneurs.”
The 18-month programme offers participants:
Personal and leadership development
Strategic business planning
Expert one-on-one mentorship
Access to markets and funding readiness
Tailored business skills training
Inclusive support, including access to mental health resources
Who should apply?
For 2025, the SAB Foundation is seeking entrepreneurs with operational businesses of at least 12 months that are 51% black-owned and managed and run full-time by the applicant. TheThe
The programme also encourages applications from enterprises that are owned by women and youth, as well as from entrepreneurs with disabilities and businesses located in rural or peri-urban areas.
Applications are open until midday on 8 September 2025.
To apply and learn more, visit https://www.sabfoundation.co.za/tholoana-enterprise-programme.
