Call for Applications: SAB Foundation 18-Month Business Growth Programme
The SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme 2026/2027 is now accepting applications from South African entrepreneurs seeking structured support to strengthen and grow established businesses.
The 18-month programme is designed for entrepreneurs whose businesses are already commercially viable, have paying customers and demonstrate clear potential for expansion.
Applications for the current intake opened on September 8, 2026, and will close at 12 noon on October 13, 2026.
The Tholoana Enterprise Programme provides tailored business support and mentorship to help entrepreneurs improve key areas of their businesses, including leadership, financial management, operational systems and market access.
Rather than focusing on businesses at the idea or early validation stage, the programme is seeking entrepreneurs who have already demonstrated that their businesses work and are ready to prepare for their next stage of growth.
What the Programme Offers
Selected entrepreneurs will participate in an 18-month growth journey tailored to the needs of their businesses.
Support may include:
- Business mentorship and practical guidance
- Leadership and management development
- Financial management support
- Strengthening of business systems and operations
- Market-access support
- Guidance on identifying and pursuing new growth opportunities
- Tailored interventions based on the challenges and opportunities facing each business
Participants will work with experienced mentors to identify constraints limiting their businesses and develop practical strategies for sustainable growth.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is open to entrepreneurs who meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens and work full-time in their businesses.
- Be majority shareholders and key decision-makers in their businesses.
- Lead businesses that are at least 51% black-owned and managed.
- Own businesses that are registered and operating in South Africa.
- Have traded consistently for at least two years.
- Have paying customers and recurring, verifiable revenue.
- Be able to demonstrate repeat demand for their products or services.
- Have a viable business model and a credible opportunity for growth.
- Be willing to learn, make changes and commit to the full 18-month programme.
The SAB Foundation is particularly encouraging applications from women, young entrepreneurs and persons with disabilities, as well as businesses based in or meaningfully serving rural and township communities.
Businesses involved in areas such as productive value chains, local procurement, import substitution, export opportunities and sectors with strong growth potential may also receive priority consideration.
Who Is the Programme For?
The Tholoana Enterprise Programme is aimed at established businesses that have moved beyond the idea stage and can demonstrate real commercial demand.
Applicants should be able to show evidence such as recurring customers, repeat sales, purchase orders or contracts.
The programme is not intended primarily for businesses that are still at the idea, concept or market-validation stage, or businesses seeking rescue or survival funding.
Application Deadline
Programme: SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme 2026/2027
Duration: 18 months
Eligibility: South African entrepreneurs and qualifying businesses
Business ownership: At least 51% black-owned and managed
Minimum trading period: Two years
Support: Mentorship, business development and tailored growth support
Priority groups: Women, youth, persons with disabilities, rural and township enterprises
Application deadline: October 13, 2026, at 12 noon
Eligible entrepreneurs are encouraged to review the requirements and submit their applications before the deadline.
Apply Now: SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme application page
Applications will undergo eligibility screening and shortlisting, with due diligence, interviews and site visits potentially forming part of the selection process.
