Fetola

Fetola is a dynamic organisation dedicated to empowering fearless entrepreneurs and the businesses they run.

With a strong vision to tackle unemployment, inequality, and poverty, Fetola partners with bold businesses and organisations to create sustainable solutions. Through their impactful programs, they have supported over 1,100 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across various sectors in South Africa.

One of the key strengths of Fetola lies in its commitment to youth-led entrepreneurship, with 59.9% of the supported businesses being led by individuals aged 35 or younger. They also prioritise female-led businesses, with 52.5% of their supported enterprises being led by women. Operating across all nine provinces of South Africa, Fetola has a national footprint, ensuring access to its services throughout the country.

Fetola's client engagement model focuses on delivering tangible results

Their programs have demonstrated impressive statistics, including a 30.2% annual growth in SME turnover, a 20.9% annual growth in SME job creation, and an impressive 87% survival rate for enterprises over a ten-year period. These numbers highlight the positive impact Fetola has had on building businesses in South Africa.

Celebrating success: Inspiring case studies of Fetola's supported businesses

Through their Tholoana Case Studies, Fetola showcases the success stories of businesses that have benefited from their programs. One such example is Mo's Crib, an eccentric home décor design company passionate about sustainability and inspired by nature and cultural diversity. Another inspiring case study is Siko Republik, an athleisure company that celebrates African prints and caters to African women looking to express their culture through fashion.

Fetola's impact extends beyond individual businesses

The organisation is committed to making a lasting sustainable difference in South Africa by supporting sustainability-focused initiatives. Through the Fetola Foundation, they partner with leaders in the ecosystem to stimulate economic growth, promote job creation, and bring about positive social change.

By fostering partnerships with innovative companies and organisations, Fetola multiplies its impact and creates lasting change. They collaborate with a range of partners, including foundations, philanthropic organisations, international development agencies, and corporate entities.

If you are passionate about making a difference and leaving a lasting legacy, Fetola invites you to join its community of global leaders and passionate change-makers. Together, they aim to build a billion better lives across Africa, driving generational and continental change.

Fetola's strategic partnerships: Multiplying impact and empowering entrepreneurs

Fetola's success in supplier and enterprise development programs can be attributed to its strategic partnerships with like-minded organisations. By collaborating with innovative companies and institutions that share their vision, Fetola has been able to multiply their impact and broaden the range of support they provide to entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurs seeking to unlock opportunities and address challenges in their businesses can join the Fetola family. Through Fetola's programs, businesses gain access to invaluable resources, mentorship, and tailored support to accelerate their growth and success.

Fetola's commitment to sustainability is also evident in its collaboration with Youth Business International (YBI) in the creation of the Sustainability Toolkit Pilot. This toolkit aims to make sustainability accessible and actionable for small businesses, allowing them to shape their future while contributing to a greener, more sustainable world.

Additionally, programs like CEA Khula, FNB Youth Start-Up Accelerator, Circular Economy Accelerator, Social Entrepreneurship Impact Lab, and SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme offer specialised support for businesses at different stages of growth, focusing on areas such as green entrepreneurship, circular economy, and social impact.

Fetola has been a trusted partner for ambitious entrepreneurs since its inception in 2006. With a proven track record, 9 out of 10 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have participated in Fetola's programs are still thriving today. This impressive statistic highlights that working with Fetola increases the likelihood of leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come, making it a valuable resource for entrepreneurs seeking sustainable success.

YBI Sustainability Toolkit Pilot: Empowering small businesses for sustainability

Fetola, in collaboration with Youth Business International (YBI) and leading global organizations, has launched the YBI Sustainability Toolkit Pilot. This innovative initiative aims to make sustainability accessible and practical for small businesses. The pilot program, spanning 8 weeks, provides small business owners with an opportunity to shape the future of their enterprises while making a positive contribution to a greener and more sustainable world. By participating in the Sustainability Toolkit Pilot, entrepreneurs gain valuable insights and practical tools to incorporate sustainability practices into their operations, thereby enhancing their environmental impact and ensuring long-term viability.

CEA Khula: Advancing green businesses to the next level

CEA Khula is an exclusive 6-month program tailored for 15 innovative green businesses ready to scale up and make a positive impact on the environment while contributing to economic growth. This accelerator program is designed for businesses with a minimum of 6 months of operational experience seeking to take their ventures to new heights. By joining CEA Khula, entrepreneurs gain access to specialised support, mentorship, and resources specifically catered to the unique challenges and opportunities of green entrepreneurship. The program empowers participants to develop strategies for sustainable growth, strengthen their market presence, and maximise their environmental contributions.

FNB Youth Start-Up Accelerator: Cultivating the next generation of entrepreneurs

The FNB Youth Start-Up Accelerator is a dynamic program dedicated to nurturing the next generation of South African entrepreneurs. Through a hands-on 12-month acceleration journey, the program focuses on refining and defining participants' brands, business plans, and leadership skills. With practical training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, young business owners gain the knowledge and support needed to thrive in today's competitive business landscape. The FNB Youth Start-Up Accelerator equips participants with the tools to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and build sustainable businesses for long-term success.

Circular Economy Accelerator: Enabling infinite impact

The Circular Economy Accelerator (CEA) is a transformative program dedicated to fostering businesses and entrepreneurs focused on circularity. By promoting a sustainable future that operates in harmony with the environment, CEA aims to create a greener and more sustainable South African economy. The accelerator program provides targeted support, mentorship, and resources to entrepreneurs committed to circular business models and practices. Participants in the CEA gain insights into circular economy principles, access to networks and markets, and the necessary tools to implement circularity in their operations. Through this program, entrepreneurs can generate infinite impact by reimagining resource use, reducing waste, and driving sustainable economic growth.

Social Entrepreneurship Impact Lab: Amplifying social impact through innovative entrepreneurship

The Social Entrepreneurship Impact Lab (SEIL) is an accelerator program that amplifies the impact of businesses, social enterprises, and entrepreneurs dedicated to addressing societal issues through innovative solutions. SEIL supports ventures that prioritise social impact alongside financial sustainability.

Through the program, participants receive mentorship, specialised training, and access to networks, enabling them to scale their social enterprises and drive meaningful change. SEIL empowers entrepreneurs to refine their business models, enhance their social impact strategies, and navigate the unique challenges and opportunities associated with creating a sustainable and socially conscious business.

SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme: Building businesses and fostering job creation

Through a strategic partnership with the SAB Foundation, Fetola invests in entrepreneurs over a 2-year period through the Tholoana Enterprise Programme. With a particular focus on women, youth, individuals in rural areas, and entrepreneurs with disabilities, the program identifies and supports individuals who demonstrate the potential and commitment to grow businesses and create employment opportunities.

Through comprehensive training, mentorship, and funding, the Tholoana Enterprise Programme equips entrepreneurs with the skills and resources needed to navigate the challenges of business growth. By empowering these individuals, the program not only strengthens individual businesses but also contributes to the socioeconomic development of communities and the nation as a whole.