SMEgo at the SME South Africa Funding Summit

SMEgo at the SME South Africa Funding Summit

The SME South Africa Funding Summit aims to serve as a bridge to the funding gap in South Africa. To pave the way towards achieving this, SME South Africa partnered with esteemed brands that also target SMEs. One of these respectable brands is Old Mutual SMEgo, which came on board as a bronze sponsor for the inaugural event.

We had a chat with Thandeka Dludla, the business manager at Old Mutual SME Business unit.

“We have developed a digital platform called SMEgo. SMEgo, true to its name, is for small to medium enterprises on the go that need to manage their business. They could use it on the web as well as mobile apps,” says Dludla.

What is SMEgo and How Does it Serve SMEs?

Thandeka explains that this platform was developed to solve the pain points of SMEs. SMEgo is a digital platform developed by Old Mutual, where businesses can access essential tools and support needed to thrive.

“We have solutions to help businesses grow their business and run their business, as well as protect their business,” Dludla explains. The tools that businesses can access on SMEgo include invoicing solutions, accounting, funding, HR, payroll, legal, and so much more.

SMEgo also offers funding opportunities, serving the market as an aggregator. “That means we have brought multiple funders into one platform, where we facilitate a journey of applying to multiple funders through one application,” she says.

SMEgo essentially walks the journey with SMEs to get matched to the right funder, and where they are not funding ready, they receive solutions to help them achieve that.

Thandeka continues to explain that SMEgo aims to solve the funding challenge in a unique and comprehensive way. “These solutions include financial management, where they could start generating their own financial statements, credit scoring capabilities, where they access their own credit score and understand how much they could ordinarily qualify for, as well as cash flow management tools.”

Essentially, SMEgo empowers the SME with a collection of tools that help them manage their finances, whether it be their income and expenses, or accessing funding for that little extra cashflow boost.

Key Takeaways From Old Mutual SMEgo at the SME South Africa Funding Summit

At the SME South Africa Funding Summit, Old Mutual SMEgo connected with SMEs to expose them to tools that can make their funding journey easier.

“SMEs don’t know which funder needs what, and they don’t have the time to figure out the various funder requirements, terms, and the underlying terms and conditions. So, we’re here to bridge that gap,” she explains. “They finally have somebody to help them on that journey and minimise the pain points of figuring it out for themselves or going to multiple funders only to spend months on end waiting for an answer and then getting declined.”

The SME South Africa Funding Summit offered an opportunity for SMEgo to directly engage with their audience. This brand engagement enables them to better serve their market. The team on the ground were able to connect with their customers and take part in important conversations about the challenges they face in their businesses. Entrepreneurs could stop by their exhibition stand to find out more about the SMEgo platform.

Sponsoring the SME South Africa Funding Summit

Old Mutual SMEgo’s involvement in the summit as a bronze sponsor gave them the chance to directly speak to businesses in need of support through information and access to tools. In addition, Dludla touched on how this opportunity isn’t only beneficial for businesses looking for funding but also makes it easier for funders.

According to Dludla, an in-person event such as the Funding Summit solves the funders’ issue of carving out time to educate interested business owners. “This is actually a big thing for the funders. So from that perspective, it’s not even necessarily about the funding itself but rather about shortening the process for them,” she smiles. “I think that is a game changer.”

To find out more about the Funding Summit, keep an eye out for our post-Funding Summit report that unpacks the success of this first event.

The Funding Summit Sponsor Who is Changing the Narrative

The Funding Summit Sponsor Who is Changing the Narrative

At the 2025 edition of the SME Funding Summit, exhibitors and attendees had the opportunity to meet and discuss the issue of obtaining financing for businesses from different sectors and business stages. One of the sponsors and exhibitors on the day was Fund the People, and they strive to change the narrative about funding accessibility.

“Fund the People is a tendering platform,” says Praneshan Naidoo, Founder of Fund the People and Go Fund Yourself. “What we do is we take someone who doesn’t even have a company and help them get a tender. We help with full skills development by taking somebody who can, for example, manufacture a table and look at how we can help them develop that into a tender.”

Naidoo explains that Fund the People doesn’t just hand out money. “We help people with the tender process from A to Z. A lot of people have a particular skill and knowledge about how to make a product, but they don’t always know how to sell it.”

Key Takeaways from the SME Funding Summit

“The key takeaway we want for anyone who interacts with our brand, such as attendees at the SME Funding Summit, is how they can grow with us,” he shares. “Partnering with us can help show these entrepreneurs a sustainable future and how they can grow within the economy.

“When I say grow, I don’t just mean your business. Grow by hiring more people. Grow by transferring skills. Take your skills and pass them on to the next person or generation. Let the economy grow. That’s what we want, right?”

Naidoo’s passion shines through as he continues to use his prior example of a furniture maker. “We want the person who is making furniture, building tables or developing products to pass it on to the youth so that the youth can carry on with it. That is how you are going to build a South Africa, and that’s what we as Fund the People do.”

Fund the People’s Goal

Fund the People offers purchase order funding and invoice discounting. With the former, entrepreneurs can fulfil big orders and pay suppliers upfront. With the latter, business owners can unlock the cash tied up in unpaid invoices.

“Like I said,” Naidoo emphasises. “We don’t just hand out money – we execute A to Z across the board, and that’s what makes us different.”

Fund the People believes that attendees could walk away with knowledge and confidence based on the interaction they had with entrepreneurs at the SME Funding Summit.

“I am seeing hope, and I am seeing people who are grateful to see the various funders here.” Naidoo recalls attendees’ words and the value the event had for them. “It’s especially valuable for people who are saying: ‘I knew about the five major banks, I knew about loan sharks and borrowing money from family, and they are all saying no to me all the time.’ It’s this sentiment that we want to change.

“We want to have the new narrative that entrepreneurs come to us first before they go anywhere else.”

Exhibiting and Sponsoring the SME Funding Summit

As one of the Summit Bronze sponsors, Naidoo enthusiastically shared their passion for being involved in the day.

“The SME Funding Summit reminded us why these events are so vital for our economy. These events aren’t just about name tags and business cards: it’s about connecting the dots between real people and real solutions.

“I am loving what SME South Africa has done here, bringing niche funders into the market.” He highlights that in many instances, traditional funders such as banks are unable to fund businesses – a reality that many unbankable entrepreneurs can attest to.

“The platform that SME South Africa has put together here is massive,” he concludes.

Key Insights From the 2025 SME South Africa Funding Summit

Insights from the SME South Africa Funding
The 2025 SME South Africa Funding Summit took place on the 12th of June at the Empire Conference and Events Venue in Parktown, Johannesburg.

The event brought together hundreds of entrepreneurs, funders, ecosystem builders, and more under one roof, all with a common purpose: to tackle the pressing issues around access to funding for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

With a strong lineup of speakers, investors, exhibitors, and vibrant networking sessions, the summit served as a vital platform to spark solutions and share strategies for improving South Africa’s funding landscape.

Part 1: Early-Stage Funding

The event kicked off with a powerful welcome from Velly Bosega, CEO of SME South Africa.

Among the standout speakers of the morning was Darlene Menzies, CEO of FinFind, who unpacked the findings from the MSME Access to Finance Report 2025. The report revealed critical insights into how South Africa’s SMEs are accessing or struggling to access funding.

This was followed by the Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Jane Sithole, who delivered a keynote address on the importance of creating a more inclusive funding landscape. She emphasised the need for more real-time data and accessible reports on SME funding to drive initiatives to create solutions that address the funding gap.

Entrepreneurial inspiration was also front and centre. Sheldon Tatchell, founder of Legends Barber, shared his bootstrapping journey and insights on growing the Legends Barber brand into a success story. His story underscored the importance of faith, determination and collaboration in growing a business.

The first tea break was a hive of activity. Conversations flowed among attendees, funders, and exhibitors, all eager to connect, share, and collaborate.

Part 2: Growth-Stage Funding

During the next session, Donald Valoyi, founder of Zulzi, delivered insights on building a strong pitch deck for early-stage funding. He broke down the essentials investors are looking for, as well as how to position yourself as a business that investors chase.

A highly anticipated panel followed, diving into alternative funding options for early-stage entrepreneurs. Industry experts like Thandeka Dludla from Old Mutual SMEgo, and Jedd Harris from Sourcefin weighed in on how SMEs can think beyond traditional funding institutions.

The session titled “What Venture Capitalists & Angel Investors Are Really Looking For” was another major highlight. Jameel Khan and Shaun Naidoo gave attendees a rare inside look at how funders assess risk, leadership, market potential, and more.

Part 3: Industry-Specific Funding Insights

The afternoon sessions shifted focus to industry-specific funding, tackling the nuanced financial needs across various sectors

Louise Naidoo, product head of FNB Commercial, shared up-to-date funding trends, including sector-focused funding models. The spotlight moment came when Litha Kutta from Land Bank delivered a talk on Agri-Business Funding. His insights were so impactful that he was surrounded by hopeful agri-entrepreneurs eager to ask follow-up questions during the networking session.

A panel discussion between Hlengiwe Makhathini of IDF Capital and Mokgome Mogoba from Kholo Capital tackled Traditional Financial Models vs Innovative Approaches, helping business owners understand how to position themselves for both conventional and alternative funding paths.

Compliance was another important topic addressed by Mosebetsi Seloane from the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP). He addressed the challenges of meeting funding compliance requirements and how compliance mistakes can prevent businesses from receiving the funding they need.

Closing out the content sessions was Zama Nqadolo, Investment Manager at MIC, who explored The Scaling Blueprint: Strategy, Structure and Story. She outlined how SMEs can build scalable business models while retaining their identity and mastering how to relay their story and prioritise community impact.

Insights From Entrepreneurs at The Funding Summit

We spoke directly to some of the attendees to understand how the summit made an impact.

Lethabo, founder of Laka Beauty, shared:

“I struggle to scale because I only hear about banks when it comes to funding. I came to the summit hoping to learn better ways to access funding. I’m currently reselling in bulk, but I want to create my own products and manufacture locally. Sales are strong, but I face long wait times with Chinese manufacturers – which means my products are sold out for too long.”

Kopano from Bakwena Telecommunications reflected:

“I’ve applied for funding before but always got rejected with no explanation. When I spoke to one of the consultants at the Business Partners exhibition stand, I found out that not having audited financials is an automatic red flag. Platforms should tell us why we were rejected. This summit helped me realise where I’ve been going wrong.”

These stories show the importance of better feedback systems within funding platforms. Entrepreneurs need clarity, whether it’s through automated rejection reports or follow-up communication to improve their chances the next time they apply.

Insights From Investors and Funders at The Funding Summit

One of the major takeaways from the summit was that alternative funding is becoming an increasingly viable option for SMEs that are often overlooked by traditional banks and DFIs. Many of the funders present emphasised that SMEs should not limit themselves to conventional funding sources.

Nolan Ngobeni, Director of Boost Investments, highlighted how events like the SME Funding Summit help funders like himself connect directly with the businesses they aim to support.

“We fund SMEs with government purchase orders, and events like this help us identify the right businesses to support,” he said. “It also gives us a clearer understanding of the challenges entrepreneurs are facing.”

Tshepo Mogale from Oricred echoed this sentiment, reinforcing that there is space in the funding landscape for alternative players.

“We’ve funded over 1,000 SMEs,” he explained. “Entrepreneurs need to know there are options beyond banks and DFIs. At Oricred, we’re not looking to turn people away — we’re here to find a fit. That’s what platforms like this summit help us do.”

This is an indicator that the funding landscape is becoming more flexible, offering practical solutions that cater to the real needs of SMEs, rather than forcing them into rigid traditional structures.

Where to From Here?

The 2025 SME Funding Summit succeeded in doing more than just connecting entrepreneurs and funders, it opened up room for real conversations, unpacked industry data, and empowered SMEs with tools to take their next steps.

However, it’s clear that the work is far from done. More support is needed beyond the summit. Platforms, funders, and government must create systems that demystify funding and give entrepreneurs a fair shot.

The SME South Africa Funding Summit aims to be the number one funding event for SMEs. As this was the first annual funding summit by SME South Africa, we look forward to what this event will bring in the coming years.

SME South Africa Funding Summit: Bootstrapping 101

SME South Africa FUNDING SUMMIT Bootstrapping 101

Are you bootstrapping your business, but just not stretching your Rands enough, or do you think there’s something you’re not doing right? Well, the SME South Africa Funding Summit will cover the ins and outs of bootstrapping a business.

Bootstrapping might not be the most preferred method of funding a business, but it’s one of the most practical, and it’s how many entrepreneurs start, even if they do get other forms of funding down the line.

Initially bootstrapping your business means that you have a proof of concept that investors can look at, and funding institutions can see that your business idea is indeed viable.

Why Would an Entrepreneur Need to Know About Bootstrapping?

According to the South African Accounting Academy, one of the reasons why businesses in South Africa fail is not only because of a lack of access to finance, but lack of planning, financial expertise and poor cash flow management. In other words, the little cash they have to start their own business is either not effectively used or isn’t properly planned for.

It’s easy to think that funding your businesses out of pocket is bound to fail without big funding, but success isn’t just about having money, it’s about managing what you have wisely. With a solid strategy, a clear plan, and strong financial literacy, even a small amount of startup capital can be stretched to build something sustainable. It’s not just about how much you have, but how well you use it.

Fortunately, the SME South Africa Funding Summit will have experts with real bootstrapping experience to give you the guidance you need.

How Will the Summit Help With Bootstrapping?

There are essential aspects of bootstrapping that every entrepreneur needs to know. Attendees of the SME South Africa Funding Summit can expect the following:

Bootstrapping 101:

Bootstrapping is a challenging way to fund your business, and it surely isn’t a process that should be the result of thumb-sucking. Entrepreneurs need to ensure that they conduct the necessary research to increase the likelihood of succeeding. At the summit, you’ll receive guidance on the holistic process of bootstrapping a business.

Bootstrapping mistakes to avoid:

When you’re starting a business with little to no guidance, you’re bound to make mistakes, and some of those mistakes can have a financial strain on you and your business. At the SME South Africa Funding Summit, we’ll have industry leaders like Sheldon Tatchell of Legends Barber to provide necessary insight on bootstrapping your business, bootstrapping mistakes to avoid, and how to scale your business with funding at the right time.

When to stop bootstrapping your business:

While this type of funding can work for some time, it’s important to know when to stop bootstrapping your business and take the next step. Entrepreneurs will receive insight on how to start looking for investors when they’re ready to stop bootstrapping.

The Funding Summit takes place on the 12th of June, 2025 and will be the highlight of your search for funding. Come and join the eventful day for only R 350 entrance fee. No tickets will be sold at the door, so make sure you grab yours before it’s too late! Book yours on our events page.

The Social Impact of the SME South Africa Funding Summit

The Social Impact of the SME South Africa Funding Summit

Given South Africa’s history of marginalisation and poverty, there is an incredible need for successful small businesses that address the job creation and economic impact to rectify these legacy issues. Small businesses account for about 28% of jobs in the country, indicating the tangible impact they have in alleviating these socioeconomic issues.

Isn’t it time that the businesses that support the economy have support?

The Potential Social Impact of the Funding Summit

SME South Africa currently helps businesses by providing access to funding opportunities as well as catering to the small to medium enterprise market as a resource platform for entrepreneurs to gain the necessary knowledge and tools to propel their businesses.

Among the many free resources, articles, guides, webinars and SME Advice consulting platforms to name a few, the brand is extending its impact on small businesses with its latest addition: The SME South Africa Funding Summit.

With the funding summit, these efforts are taken a step further by giving entrepreneurs an easily accessible way to meet leaders face-to-face and gain the secrets of succeeding in any industry.

Eliminating the Barriers to Gatekeeping

Business is highly competitive, and as an entrepreneur, you might sometimes feel like there isn’t enough support or that certain resources are intentionally kept out of reach. However, the SME South Africa Funding Summit aims to eliminate these barriers by providing access to crucial information and opportunities. This summit also addresses social impact through the following:

  • Accessibility: Many summits cost thousands of rands, but with the SME South Africa Funding Summit, you don’t have to break the bank. Tickets are only R350.
  • Insights from entrepreneurs who’ve built businesses from nothing: Relatability is key when inspiring or mentoring small business owners. Many of our speakers have started from the bottom, overcoming challenges that many entrepreneurs face today, and have gone on to create lasting impact in their industries and communities.
  • Increased chances of business success: By attending this summit, businesses will learn what works and how to avoid common mistakes, positioning themselves for growth and future job creation.
  • Funding opportunities for business growth: Funding is one of the biggest barriers preventing businesses from scaling. The SME South Africa Funding Summit provides access to funding opportunities and equips businesses with the knowledge to ensure they are prepared and eligible for funding.

Success Stories of Our Funding Summit Speakers

Legends Barber founder, Sheldon Tatchell

Sheldon Tatchell, founder of Legends Barber, started with just one haircut at a time on a stoep. From these humble beginnings, he grew the business into a nationwide chain with over 50 shops across South Africa and Namibia. Along the way, he tackled unemployment by creating job opportunities and empowering youth through his Legends Training Centre.

Serial-entrepreneur, Velly Bosega

Velly Bosega’s journey from selling Zam-Buk on the street to owning multiple businesses, one of which is an accomplished digital marketing agency, is an inspiring story. Due to his passion for entrepreneurship, he also founded SME South Africa, which uplifts SMEs through tools and funding. Not only is he creating jobs, but he’s also empowering other entrepreneurs to do the same.

Founder of Zulzi, Donald Valoyi

Donald Valoyi founded Zulzi in 2013 as a small e-commerce platform and expanded it into a fast delivery service. By 2015, he introduced one-hour deliveries for students, later scaling to groceries, liquor, and pharmaceuticals. Partnering with Checkers, he helped launch Sixty60, revolutionising online shopping. Through Zulzi, he secured funding, built a logistics network, and created jobs, driving economic growth and innovation in South Africa.

Our entrepreneurial success stories don’t end here, there are several other highly accomplished speakers joining us at the SME South Africa Funding Summit.

Grab your ticket to the Funding Summit before they are sold out.

Your Gateway to Business Growth: Meet the Experts at the SME SA Growth Pod

growth pod

At this year’s Funding Summit, we’re proud to unveil the SME South Africa Growth Pod, a space designed to drive your business forward. Drawing inspiration from the trusted SME Advice platform, the Growth Pod brings expert business advice directly to you in a dynamic face-to-face setting.

At the Growth Pod, attendees will have exclusive access to one-on-one consultations with seasoned industry professionals who are eager to help our small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) founders with any business challenges.

Whether you are a start-up founder refining your business plan, a growing business exploring funding opportunities, or an established owner seeking innovative strategies, our experts are ready to provide tailored insights that meet your unique needs.

Here’s what to expect from the SME South Africa Growth Pod:

  • Expert consultations: Engage with our experts who specialise in key areas such as funding strategies, marketing innovation, legal compliance and operational efficiencies. Gain practical advice that is immediately applicable to your business challenges.
  • Tailored guidance: Receive tailored advice that addresses the specifics of your industry, stage of business and immediate concerns – ensuring that every piece of guidance is relevant, actionable and impactful.
  • Real-time problem solving: Attendees can bring any pressing business questions and walk away with clear, strategic solutions designed to unlock their next level of success.

The Growth Pod is more than just an advice booth; it’s a comprehensive business ‘accelerator’ that bridges the gap between theory and practice. By merging the digital expertise of SME Advice with the immediacy of face-to-face interactions, we are equipping our SMEs with the tools, insights, and confidence to navigate the ever-evolving business landscape.

Elvis Sekhaolelo is heading up the Growth Pod. Skhaolelo is an impact investor and enterprise supplier development (ESD) practitioner with over eleven years of experience in developing impact ecosystems within South Africa’s township and rural economies.

These ecosystems contribute to sustainable models and processes that support local industries and value chains. He is the founding CEO of eKasi Entrepreneurs Movement, a national public benefit organisation dedicated to empowering, developing, and supporting SMMEs in townships and rural villages.

Additionally, he serves as the impact investor and business development manager at Township IMPACT Investments, an investment company focused on building infrastructure that enables SMMEs to thrive within their communities. Through these ventures, Sekhaolelo leverages his academic background and expertise to create positive social and economic outcomes for underserved populations.

The Growth Pod is an opportunity to connect, learn and innovate- making it a must-visit destination at the SME South Africa’s Funding Summit. Embrace the chance to harness expert knowledge spark new ideas and ignite your business growth.

This is your chance to speak to a business growth expert in person – Grab your ticket to the Funding Summit before they are sold out.

SME South Africa Funding Summit: Empowering Growth and Driving Innovation in the SME Sector

SME South Africa Funding Summit: Empowering Growth and Driving Innovation in the SME Sector

The 2025 SME South Africa’s Funding Summit stands as a pivotal event for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across South Africa. The event offers a platform for entrepreneurs, investors and industry experts to come together and catalyse the growth of SMEs and drive innovation.

This summit is not only designed to create an environment for knowledge exchange and networking but also plays a critical role in unlocking financial opportunities that are vital for the sustainability and scalability of our SMEs.

A Hub for Innovation and Opportunity

In South Africa, SMEs face many unique challenges beyond competing with bigger businesses for clients. The most pressing challenge our SMEs face is access to proper funding solutions. At its core, the SME South Africa Funding Summit is designed to address these unique challenges faced by SMEs in today’s competitive landscape.

The event aims to create a space where emerging business leaders can learn from seasoned professionals, gain insights into modern financial strategies and discover innovative funding solutions that can help their ventures.

Through keynote sessions, panel discussions and interactions with our funders, attendees will be equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of modern entrepreneurship.

“The SME South Africa Funding Summit is of vital importance to SMEs. It facilitates access to capital, professional guidance, and relationship-building prospects. The summit shall present SMEs with a variety of financing alternatives extending beyond conventional lending options. Furthermore, this occasion will provide analyses of policy and market trends to assist businesses in overcoming economic challenges. It distinguishes itself from any other financing event,” says Gcina Madonsela, Business Development Executive at SME South Africa.

“The summit also aims to emphasise the importance of actionable guidance from experts on securing funding. In a time where access to funding can make or break an SME, the SME South Africa Funding Summit brings together financial experts and successful entrepreneurs who will share first-hand experience and strategies for overcoming funding hurdles.

“The focus on education and mentorship is critical to ensure our SMEs not only survive but thrive in an ever-changing economic environment.”

The Role of Our Sponsors and Ecosystem Partners

A key factor in the summit’s success is the invaluable support of our sponsors, whose commitment to fostering SME growth is evident in every aspect of the event.

Old Mutual SMEgo

As a forward-thinking brand, Old Mutual SMEgo brings a wealth of financial expertise and innovative funding solutions to the table. Old Mutual’s initiatives are designed to empower SMEs with the financial tools and tech solutions necessary to secure sustainable growth.

At the summit, Old Mutual SMEgo will showcase its latest products and services tailored for SMEs, ensuring that attendees have access to cutting-edge technology and tailored funding solutions.

Raizcorp

Known for its dedication to nurturing entrepreneurial talent, Raizcorp plays a crucial role in the SME sector by providing mentorship, incubation and acceleration programmes. The support of Raizcorp helps transform promising ideas into successful businesses, offering expert advice and facilitating a culture of innovation.

Raizcorp’s presence is a testament to its commitment to guiding entrepreneurs through the often-challenging journey of business growth and development.

Sourcefin

With a strong focus on financial solutions that meet the unique needs of our SMEs, Sourcefin is instrumental in bridging the gap between traditional financing and the dynamic demands of modern businesses.

Sourcefin’s expertise in alternative financing models and innovative funding options empowers entrepreneurs to secure the capital necessary for expansion. By participating in the SME South Africa Funding Summit, Sourcefin offers practical insights and strategies which enable our SMEs to navigate the financial landscape with confidence.

Businesswomen’s Association of South Africa

As a leading voice of women in business, the Businesswomen’s Association of South Africa (BWASA), plays a crucial role in advocating for gender equity in entrepreneurship. The involvement of BWASA in the summit ensures that women in businesses have access to the right networks, knowledge, and funding opportunities.

The BWASA’s commitment to fostering leadership, mentorship and business development perfectly aligns with our goal of empowering SMEs. Their presence at the event not only highlights the importance of women-led enterprises but also provides women entrepreneurs with the confidence to succeed in a competitive market.

Brewsters Academy

Brewsters Academy (formerly Brewsters Craft) is a leading institution dedicated to education and training in the brewing and beverage industry and plays a unique role in the summit. The organisation provides specialised training and mentorship for SMEs within the food and beverage sector, Brewsters Academy helps SMEs refine their craft (beers) and establish sustainable businesses.

The participation of the Brewsters Academy in the summit, highlights the importance of industry-specific education and skill-building as a crucial component for SME success.

Startup Grind

A globally recognised platform that connects entrepreneurs, Startup Grind brings its vast network and expertise to the SME South Africa Funding Summit. With its mission to educate, inspire and connect entrepreneurs, Startup Grind plays a vital role in bridging the gap between startups and investors.

Startup Grind’s presence at the summit will provide attendees with access to mentorship solutions, insights from successful founders and exposure to potential funding opportunities. The contribution of Startup Grind to the summit will ensure that our SMEs are financially empowered and equipped with the knowledge and strategies needed to scale their business.

Impact on the Future of SMEs

The SME South Africa Funding Summit is more than just an event. It is a movement aimed at transforming the SME sector. We want to foster collaboration among financial institutions, mentorship organisations, and innovative funding providers.

We aim to create a sustainable ecosystem and community where SMEs can flourish. This integrated approach ensures that entrepreneurs are well-equipped to tackle challenges, leverage opportunities and continue to contribute to the economy of South Africa.

The SME South Africa Funding Summit is not only a celebration of entrepreneurial spirit but also a testament to the power of strategic partnerships in building a brighter, more sustainable future for our SMEs.

If you would like to become a sponsor or exhibitor at the Funding Summit, send an e-mail to events@smesouthafrica.co.za. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this transformative event.

Become a Sponsor or Exhibitor

Join us in empowering South African entrepreneurs. Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch.

SME Funding Summit 2025 Partners