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.