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.
The programme prioritizes entrepreneurial ventures that are owned and managed by historically disadvantaged groups, (i.e. black people, women, youth, persons with disabilities, and those living in rural areas) so as to help redress socio-economic challenges faced by these marginalized groups.
Since its inception, the programme has invested over R244.2 million in grant funding and business development support into 602 entrepreneurial and SMME ventures. As of 2023, the SMME businesses supported through the programme collectively employ an estimated 4 524 people with a combined turnover of R475 million. The long-term survival rate of the SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme alumni is almost nine times higher than the national average, making this one of the most well-regarded and impactful programmes of its kind in South Africa.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
In 2024 we will be recruiting high-potential businesses to take up this life-changing opportunity. We prioritize selecting businesses that are owned or run by women, located in rural areas, and that benefit persons with disabilities. Below are specific eligibility criteria that business owners need to apply:
Entrepreneur requirements
- 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 the 18 months.
- The applicant is open to change and willing to drive new strategies to support the growth of their business. • The applicant has high moral and ethical standards and a desire to contribute to the economy of South Africa.
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.
In addition, we are keen to identify enterprises with long-term growth and good job creation potential. This includes enterprises with export potential and/or import substitution, as well as ones in growth sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, water, energy and waste, tourism and hospitality, information communication technology and agro-processing, etc.
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. This year’s application opened on the 1st of August to 09 September 2024