SME Funding Summit 2026

The SME Funding Summit 2026 is a full‑day, dedicated platform for South African entrepreneurs to understand, access and navigate funding opportunities more effectively. Hosted by SME South Africa on 11 June 2026 at The Empire Conference & Events Venue in Parktown, Johannesburg, the summit positions itself as a premier national gathering for SMEs looking to become funding‑ready and connect directly with funders and ecosystem experts.​

Purpose and focus

The summit is designed to address one of the biggest barriers to SME growth: access to appropriate finance and clarity on what funders actually require. It focuses on translating the often-complex funding landscape into practical insights, tools and strategies that entrepreneurs can immediately apply in their businesses. Through a combination of keynote sessions, panel discussions and an exhibition, the event aims to demystify funding processes, highlight diverse funding pathways and help SMEs close common gaps related to readiness and compliance.​

Programme and key themes

Attendees can expect a curated programme that blends thought leadership with practical guidance. Core elements include:​

• A keynote address unpacking the current South African funding landscape and emerging trends affecting SMEs.​
• Multiple panel discussions and presentations focusing on:
  • Diverse funding pathways (e.g. banks, DFIs, alternative and non‑traditional funders).
  • Targeted funding opportunities tailored to different business stages and sectors.
  • Funding readiness and compliance foundations, including financial records and governance.
  • Government and public‑sector funding schemes and how to access them.​

This content mix ensures that entrepreneurs gain both a high‑level view of the ecosystem and step‑by‑step guidance on how to prepare for and secure funding.​

Exhibition, networking and ecosystem access

A central feature of the summit is its exhibition area, where traditional and non‑traditional funders, business support organisations and service providers showcase their offerings and engage directly with entrepreneurs. This creates a “marketplace” environment where SMEs can:​

• Meet potential funders face‑to‑face and ask specific questions about requirements.
• Explore financial products, grant opportunities and support services relevant to their businesses.
• Connect with accountants, advisors and ecosystem partners that can help strengthen their funding applications and compliance.​

Structured and informal networking opportunities are built into the programme, enabling entrepreneurs to build peer networks, share experiences and form collaborations that may outlast the event itself.​

Who will benefit

The summit is tailored for small and medium‑sized businesses at different growth stages, from early‑stage startups to more established enterprises looking to scale. It also offers value to tech startups, sector‑specific ventures, and businesses seeking to pivot or formalise operations in order to meet funder expectations. Funders, investors and ecosystem enablers benefit from exposure to a diverse pipeline of SMEs and a platform to communicate their criteria and support offerings.​

Ticketing and value proposition

Early‑bird tickets are available at R699 (regular price R999) and give attendees full access to the day’s programme, including all sessions and networking activities. For this investment, entrepreneurs gain concentrated access to expert knowledge, direct engagement with funders, and practical tools to improve their chances of securing capital and driving sustainable growth.

Click here to visit the official website and register for the SME Funding Summit 2026.