Ready? Set. Enter the Investment Readiness Programme!

South African SMEs often lament their funding struggles, citing the lack of opportunities or understanding why they are rejected. In spite of this, there are still many businesses that work hard to assist entrepreneurs with investment readiness programmes and funding opportunities.

Investment readiness is a term that refers to a business’s ability and level of preparedness to attract and secure external investment. This business is thus demonstrating through its preparedness that a business is well-structured, has a clear business plan, and a solid understanding of its market and competitive landscape. Potential investors are interested in all these factors as it shows them if your business is worth investing in, usually in the form of funding.

By receiving the capital injection, businesses are able to grow and expand at an incredible rate, seizing opportunities that they might not have been able to without it.

Recently, Fetola, a multifaceted small business development agency, announced that the investment readiness, supported by JPMorganChase, Fetola Fire programme has opened for applications. It is a 12-month programme that assists 60 black-owned and managed businesses in securing funding and scaling.

The Fetola Fire Investment Readiness Programme

Fetola Fire is designed to fuel investment and rapid expansion through setting a financial foundation for a business. This business growth journey is delivered in three phases, namely, Strategic Business Growth, Master Your Finances, and Investment Readiness and Access to Finance. The practical knowledge enables entrepreneurs to build financial stability, improve cash flow, and prepare for investment opportunities.

The goal of each phase is structured as follows:

1. Personal financial resilience: Helping entrepreneurs strengthen their personal financial habits to support their business decision-making

2. Financial readiness: Ensuring businesses have accurate financial records and equipping entrepreneurs with the skills to manage cash flow, pricing, and financial reporting effectively.

3. Investment readiness: Preparing businesses to secure funding through expert-led coaching, mentorship, and investment pitch training.

“Many business owners struggle to secure funding because they don’t have accurate financial records or compliance in place. This programme helps them build confidence, learn the skills and put in the actions needed to attract investors,” says Isabel du Toit, Programme Manager.

SMEs can look forward to the following:

• Business diagnostic tools
• Business strategy and growth plan development
• Action-learning workshops and webinars
• Access to expert mentors and technical consultants
• Personal Finance Coaching
• Financial Management Support
• Investment readiness and pitching support
• Marketing and Sales Support
• Access to Finance
• Peer Networking

Do You Qualify?

Fetola Fire is looking for black-owned micro and small businesses in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and retail that are ready to grow and scale.

The business needs to be a majority black-owned and managed business. Furthermore, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Must be trading for a minimum of 2 years, and have proof of operation.
• Must be in one of South Africa’s nine provinces.
• Your annual revenue must be a minimum of R500 000 in the last financial year.
• You must operate in one of the following sectors: Industrial sectors (agri, agro-processing, manufacturing, logistics, green economy (water, waste, energy) and circular economy.
• The business must employ a minimum of 2 employees, not including yourself.
• Female and youth-owned businesses in particular are encouraged to apply.

Applications close soon on 21 May 2025. Any interested individual can apply on the company website.

SMEs that are ready to accelerate their growth should strongly consider entering any programme that can assist their growth. Keep your eye out for more possible programmes throughout the year on SME South Africa’s website.