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Business Accelerator Program for Black-owned SMEs in South Africa

Deadline: 30 September 2023

Are you ready to take your business to the next level and become the next supplier to leading customers in SA’s chemicals sector?​ Don’t miss the opportunity to join the Business Accelerator and gain access to big customers, expert mentorship support, sector-aligned empowerment for your business and capital investment interventions to unlock your growth potential.​

The objective of the Business Accelerator is to identify & develop high potential SMEs as strategic suppliers to industrial lead enterprises through market access, standards upgrading, & capital investment interventions.

What to expect as an SME progressing through the Accelerator

  • Application submitted
    • ~15 minutes required to complete and submit as per application form.
    • Feedback regarding the outcome of your application will be communicated shortly after the application closing date.
  • Screening
    • Shortlisted SMEs may be contacted for clarity of information provided and will be informed of the next steps.
  • Capacity building
    • Compulsory Capacity building workshop focused on developing and delivering a compelling business pitch to potential customers.
  • Dragons’ Den
    • Opportunity to deliver your business pitch to potential customers.
    • SMEs identified by customers as highpotential will progress to the next phase. Various cash prizes and awards available.
  • Celebration
    • Graduate to the Alumni Learning Network.
    • Ongoing access to competitiveness improvement programmes and networks for further growth and learning.
  • Supporting Growth
    • Upgrading to unlock the identified commercial opportunities with customers.
    • Support will be focused on enabling delivery to customers and scale processes & practices established.
  • Letter of Interest
    • Customer requirements confirmed to unlock commercial opportunity.
  • Business case development
    • Building and analysing the commercial opportunity and improvements required.
    • Finance and Compliance due diligence risk assessment required. Access to expert industry coaching support.

How does it work?

  • Qualifying candidates will be invited to a capacity building workshop focused on developing a compelling business pitch to potential customers.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a Dragons’ Den event in November in Durban where the top candidates will be selected.
  • Identified high potential candidates will receive business case development support, expert coaching to scale your business and ongoing support to unlock commercial opportunities with customers.

Who can apply?

  • South African owned business.
  • 51% or more black ownership.
  • Annual turnover of R170m or less.
  • Registered with CIPC.
  • Tax Compliant.
  • Operating for at least 1-year.
  • Currently or aiming to offer products or services to customers in the chemicals sector.

For more information, visit Durban Chemicals Cluster.