SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme — Kayzi
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SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme

Business development and growth capital for already-trading South African SMEs. Focus on operational improvement, not just funding.

FundingUp to R500,000 (grant + support)
TypeNon-repayable grant + mentorship
FunderSAB Foundation
DeadlineRolling (check sabfoundation.co.za for current cycle)
Overview

Tholoana is for businesses that already work — but are not yet operating at their full potential. The name means 'nurture' in Sesotho, which reflects the programme's intent: structured support to help trading businesses professionalise and grow.

This is not a startup programme. The business must already be generating revenue. SAB Foundation invests in the founder as much as the business — willingness to be coached and to implement change is a real gate.

Kayzi Advisory NoteGrowth-stage development programme. Excellent bridge between entry-level funding and elite awards like the Social Innovation Awards. Best for founders willing to learn and professionalise.
Key Focus Areas

Founder Readiness · Business Substance · Financial Visibility

Who qualifies
  • Business is already trading and generating revenue (non-negotiable)
  • There is evidence of customer demand, not just intention
  • Founder is actively involved in operations day-to-day
  • Clear operational bottleneck that the programme can help address
  • Founder is genuinely open to coaching and structured development
  • South African business with a credible growth story
Who does not qualify
  • Idea-stage or pre-revenue businesses
  • Founders unwilling to be coached or implement change
  • Businesses looking primarily for cash, not development support
  • No clear operational bottleneck or growth constraint to address
  • Passive ownership — founder not actively running the business
Common rejection reasonBusinesses without a clear growth story or operational bottleneck. Founders who want money but resist structured development.
Key requirements

Proof of trading (bank statements, invoices, contracts), clear articulation of what is holding the business back, founder commitment to programme participation, and a credible growth plan. Financial records are important — even informal ones.

How to apply

Applications open periodically through the SAB Foundation website. Monitor sabfoundation.co.za for current application cycles and submission windows.

The application requires a business profile, financial overview, and description of the specific growth challenge the programme will help address.

Apply now →

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