Tholoana Enterprise Programme to empower Entrepreneurs in South Africa

The SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme is committed to supporting entrepreneurs to build viable, growing and sustainable businesses that can create jobs. They are looking for entrepreneurs who are focused on boosting their business growth and achieving new levels of success.

The SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme supports entrepreneurs to become successful and resilient business owners through extensive entrepreneurial skills development, mentorship, market readiness support, access to markets, finance and practical business tools and templates. Through connections to peers around the country, they build a powerful network of opportunities for participants long after the programme has ended.

The programme prioritises entrepreneurial ventures that are owned and managed by historically disadvantaged groups (i.e. black people, women, youth, people living with disabilities and those living in rural areas) so as to help redress socio-economic challenges faced by these marginalised groups.

What they offer?

• Leadership development
• Practical skills development
• Mentoring and coaching
• Online information sessions
• Brand building interventions
• Access to resources
• Performance tracking
• Peer-to-peer community and networking
• Financial Management Support

Eligibility Criteria 

• In 2024 they will be recruiting high-potential businesses to take up this life-changing opportunity. They prioritise 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 in order 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 the18-month period.
    • 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.

Ineligibility Criteria

• The applicant is an employee of the SAB Foundation, SAB Pty Ltd, SAB Miller Plc., AB-InBev and affiliates.
• The applicant has previously received support from the SAB Foundation.
• The business is not yet operational and is still in idea or concept phase.
• The applicant’s operations involve any form of sex, gaming, gambling, tobacco or illegal business.
• The business is a franchise: the applicant is a franchisor or franchisee etc.
• The business is an NPO (not-for-profit organisation), NGO (non-governmental organisation), home-based care service organisation, community upliftment project, youth development educational organisation, etc.
• The applicant requires sponsorship for an event, a launch, a conference, a forum, a seminar, a party or a fund-raising function, land and building acquisitions.
• The applicant requires a bursary, a scholarship, an internship and funding in the form of studies, exchange programmes and textbooks etc.
• The applicant requires any form of sponsorship or donations.

For more information, visit SAB Foundation.