The SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme is an 18-month business growth programme supporting South African entrepreneurs who have already established commercially viable businesses and are ready to strengthen their operations and pursue further growth.
The programme provides tailored business support, mentoring and practical development assistance focused on strengthening leadership, financial management, operational systems, market access and overall business capability.
Tholoana is aimed at entrepreneurs with paying customers, recurring and verifiable revenue, evidence of market demand and a viable business model with potential for growth.
Programme Support
Selected entrepreneurs receive tailored support over 18 months, which may include:
- Business and leadership development
- Financial management and business capability support
- Strengthening operational systems and processes
- Market access and business development
- Mentoring and practical guidance
- Support tailored to the specific needs and growth stage of the business
- Learning, networking and peer engagement
Purpose and Objectives
The programme aims to help established South African businesses:
- Strengthen their business systems and management capabilities
- Improve financial and operational performance
- Access new markets and business opportunities
- Build stronger foundations for sustainable growth
- Prepare businesses for their next stage of development
- Support employment creation and business sustainability
Who Should Apply?
Tholoana is designed for entrepreneurs who:
- Are South African citizens
- Work full-time in their businesses
- Are majority shareholders and key decision-makers
- Lead businesses that are at least 51% black-owned and managed
- Have businesses registered and operating in South Africa
- Have traded consistently for at least two years
- Have paying customers and recurring, verifiable revenue
- Can demonstrate repeat demand for their products or services
- Have a viable business model and credible growth opportunities
- Are willing to learn, make changes and commit to the full 18-month programme
Priority Groups
Priority consideration is given to businesses owned by:
- Women
- Youth
- Persons with disabilities
- Entrepreneurs based in or meaningfully serving rural communities
- Entrepreneurs building businesses in township communities
Business Requirements
Applicants should be able to demonstrate that their businesses are commercially proven, with evidence of customers, revenue and market demand.
The application process requires applicants to provide information on their business profile, business overview and financial performance, together with supporting documentation. Applicants are encouraged to clearly communicate their competitive advantage, business viability and growth opportunities.
Application Process
Applicants must first register on the online application platform and create an application.
The application consists of five sections:
- Applicant Details
- Business Details
- Business Overview
- Financial Performance
- Uploads
Applicants must complete the participation rules, upload all required supporting documentation and submit the completed application online.
Important Dates
Applications opened: 8 September 2026
Application deadline: 13 October 2026 at 12:00 midday
Only online applications submitted before the closing deadline will be accepted.
Programme Track Record
The SAB Foundation reports that the Tholoana Enterprise Programme has:
R374.4 million invested in grant funding and business development support
786 entrepreneurs supported
95% of tracked businesses still trading
7,138 people employed
Click HERE to visit the official website.