SAB Foundation

The SAB Foundation, established in 2010 as part of South African Breweries Ltd's (SAB) black economic empowerment transaction, operates as an independent trust.

Its primary objective is to promote entrepreneurship in South Africa and contribute to the economic and social empowerment of historically disadvantaged individuals.

The foundation allocates significant funding each year to assist small, medium, and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs). Their focus is on fostering entrepreneurship development, particularly among women, youth, individuals in rural areas, and persons with disabilities. Beyond financial support, the SAB Foundation offers business guidance and mentorship to help entrepreneurs thrive.

To achieve its mission, the foundation implements various programs. One notable initiative is the Tholoana Enterprise Programme, which offers financial grants and business development assistance to eligible entrepreneurs. Through this program, entrepreneurs receive funding and expert advice to nurture the growth and sustainability of their ventures.

Programs supported by the SAB Foundation

Aside from the Tholoana Enterprise Programme, the SAB Foundation is involved in other ventures. These include the University Seed Fund, which aids student entrepreneurs in higher education institutions, as well as the Social Innovation Awards and Fund, which recognise and supports social innovators addressing pressing societal issues.

Furthermore, the foundation engages in initiatives such as Disability Empowerment, SocioNext, Alumni Programmes, and the Rural Catalyst Programme. Each of these programs aims to advance economic empowerment and drive positive social change.

Leading the SAB Foundation is an executive team, with Bridgit Evans serving as the Executive Director. The foundation's activities are overseen by a board of trustees consisting of respected South African businesspeople who provide guidance and supervision.

Transforming communities: The SAB Foundation's collaborative approach to economic empowerment

To extend their impact and support entrepreneurs, the SAB Foundation collaborates with various partners, including EDHE (Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education Programme), Fetola, Further Impact, Impact Amplifier, and Socionext.

Through their provision of funding, business support, and mentorship, the SAB Foundation strives to uplift communities, stimulate economic growth, and foster a vibrant culture of entrepreneurship throughout South Africa.

The SAB Foundation is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs in South Africa, and one of the key ways they achieve this is through their business grants and related funding.

The foundation understands that access to funding is often a significant challenge for entrepreneurs, especially those in their ecosystem. In response to this, the Tholoana Enterprise Programme Alumni Fund was launched in 2019.

Address the funding gap head on

The Alumni Fund was created to address the funding gap identified through annual surveys conducted by the foundation. It offers selected alumni the opportunity to access further support in the form of grants and interest-free loans, provided they meet specific criteria. The main objective of this growth fund is to enable participants to increase their turnover and create new job opportunities. Funding terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the cash flow cycles of each business.

This initiative is particularly important for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) because most commercial banks consider them too risky for bridging finance or capital investment. Traditional financing options charge high-interest rates, often as much as 36%, making them inaccessible for many SMEs. The Tholoana Enterprise Programme Alumni Fund fills this gap by offering much-needed financial assistance, enabling SMEs to fulfil new contracts or invest in capital for business expansion.

Almost R6 million in investments

Since its inception, the Alumni Fund has made a significant impact. With a total investment of R5.9 million, it has supported 14 entrepreneurs and helped create employment opportunities for 321 people. The turnover of participating businesses has also experienced a remarkable increase of 464%, showcasing the tangible outcomes of the fund's support.

The stories of entrepreneurs who have benefited from the Alumni Fund highlight its effectiveness. Entrepreneurs like Thabiso Mncwabe of Twin Twice Tissues and Cherilyn Lucena of Tehilaa Gold Bag have experienced firsthand the positive impact of the funding and support provided by the SAB Foundation.

Through initiatives like the Tholoana Enterprise Programme Alumni Fund, the SAB Foundation demonstrates its commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and facilitating their growth. By addressing the funding challenges faced by SMEs, the foundation plays a crucial role in stimulating economic development and creating sustainable job opportunities in South Africa.