Relive the first annual Funding Summit for SMMEs
The summit took place on 12 June 2025 and brought together entrepreneurs, funders and ecosystem players to tackle funding readiness and growth. The event opened up room for real conversations, unpacked industry data, and empowered SMEs with tools to take their next steps.
Investment Manager - MIC
CEO - SME South Africa
Business Manager, SME Department at Old Mutual Corporate
Partner - Grovest
Founder and CEO - Legends Barber
Product Head: FNB Commercial (Transact)
Head Partnership Development and Ecosystem Coordination at Land Bank
Chief Strategy Officer at Sourcefin
Deputy Minister of Small Business Development
Entrepreneur, Influencer, and Angel Investor
Co-Founder and CEO - Joy Joy
Chief Invesment Officer - IDF Capital
Head: Coverage Business & Commercial Banking, African Bank
Founder and CEO - Zulzi
CEO
Velly Bosega
CEO
Jade Kriel
Co-Founder and CEO - Joy Joy
Keynote Address
Jane Sithole
Deputy Minister of Small Business Development
Speaker on stage
Zama Nqadolo
Investment Manager - MIC
Speaker On Stage
Sheldon Tatchell
Founder and CEO - Legends Barber
Panel Discussion
Jade Kriel
Co-Founder and CEO - Joy Joy
Sthembiso Zwane
Partner - Grovest
Speaker on stage
Donald Valoyi
Founder and CEO - Zulzi
Panel Discussion
Gary Markson
Head: Coverage Business & Commercial Banking, African Bank
Jedd Harris
Chief Strategy Officer at Sourcefin
Panel Discussion
Hlengiwe Makhathini
Chief Invesment Officer - IDF Capital
Jameel Khan
Entrepreneur, Influencer, and Angel Investor
Speaker on stage
Litha Kutta
Head Partnership Development and Ecosystem Coordination at Land Bank
The 2025 Funding Summit was instrumental in delivering tangible value to the SMME ecosystem. By focusing on practical, actionable advice, the event moved beyond theory to provide entrepreneurs with the real-world tools needed for growth.
A key outcome was the announcement of new partnerships aimed at SME development, including a notable R300m commitment from the Inclusive Justice Institute to support small businesses in the tech and agri sectors, demonstrating the summit’s role as a catalyst for significant investment.
“An invaluable event for any entrepreneur looking to navigate the funding landscape in South Africa.”
– Jane Doe, Founder of Eco-Solutions
The SME Funding Summit returns in 2026. Register your interest to be the first to know about tickets and speaker announcements.
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