WeeklySA_AdminEXPANSION: Nedbank and AWIEF have launched a three-year development programme to help 75 black women-owned South African enterprises strengthen their operations, reach larger buyers and explore regional and international markets.
By Weekly SA Mirror
CAPE TOWN – Nedbank and the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) have launched a business development programme aimed at helping established black women-owned enterprises grow their operations and enter larger domestic and export markets.
The Women Enterprise Growth and Export Programme will support 75 women-owned small, medium and micro enterprises over three years, with 25 businesses selected for each annual intake.
Applications have opened for the inaugural 2026 cohort and will close at 11.59pm on September 7.
The 12-month programme is intended for product-based South African businesses that are already trading, earning revenue and serving paying customers. Successful applicants will receive practical support to improve their operational, financial, market and export readiness.
It builds on a partnership between Nedbank and AWIEF dating back to 2018, during which the two organisations implemented the AWIEF Growth Accelerator and investment-readiness programme in South Africa.
The new initiative will target businesses with the potential to expand production, fulfilment or distribution capacity, supply larger buyers and enter regional, African and international markets.
To qualify, a business must be legally registered and operating in South Africa and be at least 51% owned by black women, as defined under the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act.
Applicants must also qualify as either an Exempted Micro Enterprise or a Qualifying Small Enterprise under the B-BBEE code applicable to their primary business activities.
Eligible enterprises must produce, manufacture, process, assemble, package, formulate or distribute physical products. The founder must also be prepared to commit to the full 12-month programme.
Priority sectors include agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, building and construction, renewable energy and the green economy, personal protective equipment, cleaning and hygiene, textiles and apparel, beauty and personal care, hospitality and tourism, design and craft, and the circular economy.
Selected entrepreneurs will undergo an individual business assessment, after which each enterprise will receive a development plan suited to its needs and growth objectives.
The support package will include coaching, technical mentoring, product and supplier development, retail readiness, financial and investment preparation, and assistance with market access.
Participants will also receive export-readiness support and guidance on pursuing opportunities arising from the African Continental Free Trade Area. These could include business-to-business contracts, joint ventures and co-production arrangements with partners in other African markets.
The programme will seek to connect the entrepreneurs with buyers, mentors, financial institutions and other women business owners. Their progress will be tracked against indicators including business growth, job creation and access to new markets.
The first cohort will be selected during September and October. The programme will be officially launched at the AWIEF2026 Conference and Exhibition at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on November 10 and 11.
The selected entrepreneurs will attend a two-day boot camp during the conference and receive free access to the event. Support for selected programme-related travel and accommodation will also be provided.
Implementation for the first cohort will run from November 2026 to October 2027.
Businesses seeking support only at the idea or pre-revenue stage will not qualify, as the initiative is aimed at established enterprises that are ready to scale.
Applications must be submitted online through the programme’s official application link before the September 7 deadline: https://apo-opa.co/4woMRTe
