SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme 2026/2027 is now accepting applications from South African entrepreneurs with commercially proven businesses, paying customers, and potential for growth.
About the Tholoana Enterprise Programme
The SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme is an 18-month business growth programme for entrepreneurs running commercially proven South African businesses.
The programme provides tailored business support and mentoring to help entrepreneurs strengthen leadership, financial management, operational systems and market access.
It is designed for businesses that already have paying customers, recurring revenue and evidence of demand, but need additional support to prepare for growth.
Who Should Apply?
Applicants should:
- Be South African citizens and work full-time in their businesses.
- Be majority shareholders and key decision-makers.
- Lead businesses that are at least 51% black-owned and managed.
- Have a business registered and operating in South Africa.
- Have traded consistently for at least two years.
- Have paying customers and recurring, verifiable revenue.
- Demonstrate repeat demand for their products or services.
- Have a viable business model and credible growth opportunity.
- Be willing to learn, make changes and participate throughout the 18-month programme.
Priority consideration is given to businesses owned by women, youth and persons with disabilities, as well as businesses based in or meaningfully serving rural and township communities.
What Does the Programme Offer?
Tholoana provides tailored support based on the needs of each participating business.
Over 18 months, entrepreneurs can work with experienced mentors and receive practical support in areas such as:
- Leadership
- Financial management
- Operational systems
- Market access
- Other business development areas identified through the programme
Programme Impact
According to the supplied information, the SAB Foundation reports:
- R374.4 million invested in grant funding and business development support
- 786 entrepreneurs supported
- 95% of tracked businesses still trading
- 7,138 people employed
Applications are assessed based on the strength of the business, growth opportunity, and the entrepreneur’s readiness to participate fully.
Applications
Applications for the Tholoana Enterprise Programme are currently open. The programme states that applications open once a year.
Eligible entrepreneurs should review the application guidance and requirements before submitting their applications.
FAQ – People Also Ask
What is the SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme?
It is an 18-month business growth programme supporting established South African businesses with mentoring and tailored business development support.
Who can apply?
South African citizens who meet the programme’s business ownership, trading history, revenue and growth requirements can apply.
How long has the business need to have operated?
The business must have traded consistently for at least two years.
Does the programme support new businesses?
The supplied requirements indicate that Tholoana is designed for commercially proven businesses with paying customers, recurring revenue, and evidence of demand.
Who receives priority consideration?
Priority consideration is given to businesses owned by women, youth and persons with disabilities, as well as businesses in or meaningfully serving rural and township communities.
Final Thoughts
The SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme 2026/2027 is designed for established South African entrepreneurs who have already demonstrated market demand and are ready to strengthen and grow their businesses through an 18-month support programme.
Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with the SAB Foundation or the Tholoana Enterprise Programme. This article is published for informational purposes to share the opportunity. Applicants should verify all requirements and application details through the official SAB Foundation before applying.
Keywords: SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme 2026, Tholoana Enterprise Programme 2027, SAB Foundation business programme, South Africa entrepreneurship programme, business funding South Africa, entrepreneur support programme, SME growth programme South Africa, black-owned businesses South Africa, women entrepreneurs South Africa, youth entrepreneurship programme
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