Latest news with #EdgeGrowth
Zawya
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Zawya
South Africa: Stand out SMEs empowered with $55,594 grant funding
Outsurance's Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programme continues to drive growth and innovation for South Africa's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with nine finalists from three active cohorts from the programme recently competing in a Shark Tank-style pitch event to win a share of R1m. All the businesses who participated in the 2025 OUTsurance Kwande ESD programme The Outsurance Kwande ESD Programme, founded in 2019 and supported by small business development specialist Edge Growth, targets businesses within OUTsurance's value chain, including panel beaters, towing companies, builders, plumbers, electricians, and other artisans and supports their growth through mentorship, funding, and strategic development. The top three winners of the Outsurance Grant Pitch, which was held at OUTsurance's head office in Centurion on 18 July, were End of the Road Panel Beaters, who took first place with R500,000; Tekton, who was awarded R300,000 for second place; and Springfield Panel and Paint, which secured third place with R200,000. Participants and judges at the 2025 OUTsurance Kwande ESD programme. End of the Road Panel Beaters is an auto body repair shop based in Phoenix, Durban, established in 2004 by Robert Ngwane and Siyanda Phirie. The company has grown from humble beginnings to a trusted partner for vehicle owners, fleet managers, and insurance companies, and offers a comprehensive range of services, including panel beating, spray painting, and collision repair. Tekton is a company specialising in automotive repair and maintenance services, operating across multiple locations, including Paarl, Worcester, and Wynberg in the Western Cape. Tekton provides a range of services including panel beating, auto body repairs, and painting. Springfield Panel and Paint is a female-owned auto body repair shop located in Springfield Park, Durban. Founded in 2013 by Rosy Govindasamy, Springfield offers a range of services, including frame and structural repairs, oil spot repairs, auto body painting, suspension and alignment, and insurance claim assistance. Winners of R500 000 – End Of The Road Panel Beaters. Edge Growth has partnered with Outsurance to design and implement the Kwande ESD Programme for over five years, with a total of 62 SMEs having participated to date. Acting as the strategic and operational backbone of the initiative, Edge Growth delivers expert facilitation, technical mentorship, business development support, and access to funding opportunities. Together with Outsurance, Edge Growth has developed a customised ESD strategy that responds to the specific challenges and opportunities within the Outsurance supply chain, with Edge Growth responsible for tracking outcomes, assessing business performance, and ensuring the programme supports Outsurance's transformation and procurement goals. This year's finalists went through a rigorous preparation process including pitch workshops, ideation sessions, and one-on-one mentorship. These sessions, facilitated by Edge Growth, helped participants refine their business cases and propose bold, sector-relevant solutions to real-world industry challenges. A distinguished panel of judges evaluated the finalists based on relevance to the challenge presented, innovation and feasibility, the potential for real-world impact and scalability and overall pitch quality. The panel included Velani Mboweni (co-founder and CEO of mobility platform LULA Loop), Martin Kingsburgh (head of claims procurement at Outsurance), Keneiloe Selamolela (chief transformation officer at Outsurance) and Thato Legong (COO of Outsurance Shared Services). This event illustrated the wider programme's commitment to unlocking entrepreneurial potential and fostering sustainable business growth. Beyond the funding, the initiative provides SMEs with access to skills, markets and funding opportunities, with the aim of not only growing small businesses within the OUTsurance value chain, but also uplifting the communities in which they operate.
Zawya
30-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Accelerator programme empowers fintech startups to scale
As South Africa's financial and insurance technology sectors continue to evolve rapidly, black-owned businesses within these industries play a vital role in driving digital innovation and inclusive economic growth. To unlock their full potential, targeted support and investment are essential to fast-track this transformation. The Sanlam Group ESD Accelerator Programme, established by small business development specialist Edge Growth in partnership with the Sanlam Foundation, is a strategic support platform designed to help early-stage fintech businesses scale effectively and access tangible market opportunities. This 18-month programme offers qualifying entrepreneurs access to coaching, strategic support, and a rare opportunity to pitch directly to leading corporates, with participation at no financial cost and requiring only eight hours of commitment per month. The programme includes hands-on workshops, high-impact master classes led by business growth experts, one-on-one coaching from seasoned tech entrepreneurs, and access to advisory boards for strategic guidance. Entrepreneurs will also benefit from market access, with a chance to test and pitch solutions and the possibility of qualifying for grant funding. With previous cohorts achieving over 40% average revenue growth, the programme is designed to deliver real, measurable impact. Previous programme participants include brothers Sipho and Sifiso Mavuso, founders of Vuso Technology, a 100% black-owned ERP solutions provider, established in 2019 to address the shortage of black-owned ERP resellers in South Africa. Despite their accounting expertise and early certification in Sage systems, the company faced initial challenges with market access and brand visibility. Their turning point came in 2023 when they joined the Sanlam Group Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programme. Through strategic mentorship, Vuso Technology improved its business model, enhanced its branding with a new logo and website, and received operational support, which included a R25,000 subsidy to purchase an inverter to be used during power outages. These changes led to improved efficiency and the company's successful securing of a major three-year private sector contract. Moving forward, Vuso Technology is preparing to become Oracle-certified, and plans to double their team from five to ten employees and a broader commitment to skills development. Vuso Technology's success illustrates how a combination of targeted support and entrepreneurial determination can accelerate growth and position SMEs to lead in high-value, tech-driven sectors. To be eligible to participate, businesses must be at least 51% black-owned, operate in the fintech sector, ideally be post-revenue with scalable solutions for the insurance industry, and be able to commit to the full 18-month programme. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
11-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Edge Growth and Bank of America celebrate fintech and climate innovation
A spirit of purpose-driven innovation filled the Edge Growth offices in Hyde Park last week, as Bank of America and Edge Growth hosted the highly anticipated Fintech and Climate Accelerator Showcase Breakfast. The event brought together a dynamic mix of entrepreneurs, funders, and ecosystem enablers to witness five emerging ventures pitch for catalytic funding after completing a transformative six-month investment readiness programme. The showcase marked the culmination of intensive support provided to five SMEs ranging from gap analysis and investor-readiness workshops, to pitch coaching, financial analysis, and mentorship. Each enterprise received an initial R50,000 in funding to begin building toward scalability and investment readiness. The breakfast event served as both a celebration of their progress and a live pitch opportunity to secure an additional R225,000 in catalytic grant capital. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Lance Chetty, chief financial officer, who reaffirmed Bank of America Securities' commitment to inclusive economic development and long-term SME support. Danei Rall and Elijah Djan, founders ... he winner by judge Velani Mboweni. 'We are honoured to stand alongside Edge Growth in showcasing this impressive cohort of entrepreneurs. Today is more than a pitch event, it's a celebration of opportunity, insight, and momentum. For founders, it's a chance to distil months of hard work into a compelling narrative. For guests, it's an invitation to engage with bold ideas that are shaping our future. And for the broader ecosystem, it's a powerful reminder that collaboration between established institutions and early-stage innovators fuels inclusive growth,' said Chetty. Following the opening address, the event's centrepiece unfolded – five founder pitches delivered with passion, precision, and authenticity. The ventures included: - Sum1 Investments: Unlocking township and rural wealth through a collective investment platform that integrates practical financial education - Zaka Money: Empowering merchants with real-time working capital via instant settlement of card payments through a secure mobile wallet - SendHome: Offering seamless, affordable cross-border remittances for migrants, with market-leading FX rates and transparent fees - Trash Converters: Creating green jobs by transforming post-consumer plastic into durable, low-cost building materials - Fintr: Gamifying financial literacy through an innovative app and board game, making finance accessible and engaging for South African youth As guests enjoyed a breakfast intermission, the judging panel comprising of Velani Mboweni, co-founder and CEO of mobility platform LULA Loop, Lebogang Mokgabudi, independent board director and award-winning inclusive-finance strategist, Mawethu Soga, head of digital engagement and entrenchment at Standard Bank and co-founder of automotive-tech start-up Fixxr, Thanusha Moodley CA (SA), chief financial officer, Bank of America, Merrill Lynch South Africa, alongside audience members deliberated on the ventures' potential for impact and scalability. In a moment charged with excitement, Fintr was announced as the winner of the R225,000 grant capital. 'The mentorship and one-on-one sessions through Edge Growth helped us rethink our business model in a scalable way, especially within the B2B landscape,' said Elijah Djan, co-founder of Fintr. 'Winning this grant shows that people recognise the value of our work and the importance of financial literacy for children. We're thrilled to take the next step in scaling our impact.' The morning concluded with closing reflections, but the conversations didn't stop there. Many attendees stayed on to connect, collaborate, and explore future opportunities with the ventures. This event was more than a funding milestone, it was a testament to the power of ecosystem collaboration and a clear signal of support for entrepreneurs who are tackling South Africa's most pressing challenges with bold, scalable solutions.
Zawya
20-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Edge Growth's first Investee Day marks new chapter in supporting and scaling South African SMEs
Small business development specialist, Edge Growth, hosted their first ever Investee Day on 4 June in Johannesburg. Invitations were extended to small businesses that have been part of the Edge Growth ecosystem and investment portfolio through various funding and mentorship platforms, with guests having the opportunity to gain valuable insights from industry experts on the essential strategies for scaling a business. Attendees were treated to a wealth of real-life business lessons and expert insights, designed to equip them for the next phase of their growth journey. In addition to the educational content, the event offered powerful networking opportunities, allowing business owners to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another in a supportive and growth-focused environment. 'Edge Growth is not just about capital – it's about impact, resilience, and transformation," says Daniel Hatfield, CEO of Edge Growth who facilitated the event. 'We're 'VC with a twist,' dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs to create systemic change and drive inclusive growth.' He described the evolution of Edge Growth over the last 20 years – from a bold idea focused on growing SMEs and creating jobs, to becoming one of Africa's leading impact investors. 'Beyond accolades and scale, the true value lies in driving inclusive growth and empowering entrepreneurs to create systemic change." The event featured a compelling keynote address by Miles Kubheka, a renowned entrepreneur, dynamic speaker, author and chef who brought fresh perspective and inspiration to guests. Kubheka made a successful shift from a career in IT to establishing himself as a leading figure in the food industry, demonstrating the impact of vision and determination. Renowned entrepreneur, dynamic speaker, author and chef, Miles Kubheka Keshav Mohabir, founder of and chief of staff at Art of Scale, delivered a practical lesson with practical insights about harnessing AI and technology to boost efficiency and productivity. With a background spanning social entrepreneurship, technical architecture, and strategic consulting, Mohabir brought to the event his unique blend of creativity and technical expertise, highlighting how smart tech adoption can drive tangible business growth. Another really valuable lesson was delivered by Kekeletso Moloto from Jedi Marketing, who shared transformative marketing and sales insights, offering practical strategies for building a strong brand through clear and consistent communication. Another highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring Mohabir and Moloto, alongside Ndia Magadagela, CEO and co-founder of Everlectric, a trailblazer in electric vehicle leasing. Nevenka Naidoo from DKN Transport, a logistics company specialising in road freight and cross-border services across multiple industries and Dr Thomas Brennan were also on the panel. Brennan is the co-founder of South African fintech startup Franc, known for its user-friendly app that makes investing in money market and equity funds accessible to everyone, with no minimum investment required. Everlectric, DKN Transport and Franc themselves are all SMEs that have benefited from Edge Growth managed funding. This panel discussion delved into the major challenges and strategies faced by entrepreneurs, focusing particularly on mindset, business scaling, and the role of technology. SME owners shared personal experiences to highlight the critical importance of resilience and a persistent mindset, stressing that co-founders, team members, coaches, and mentors are among the most valuable assets, alongside tech tools and targeted learning opportunities. When asked about the mindset needed as an entrepreneur, Magadagela said that having a mindset of always wanting to learn and being willing to hear and 'listen with your eyes' is vital. "As a CEO, you're the chief optimism officer – you need the resilience to fall 17 times and get up 18, and the mindset to always keep learning and listening,' she says. "My biggest personal sacrifice has been time with family, which is why we've intentionally kept the business at a manageable scale to maintain some balance in our lives,' is how Naidoo responded to a question about some of the personal sacrifices' entrepreneurs have to make. Referring to her biggest learning so far, Moloto says that one of the things you quickly realise in business, especially as a solo founder, is that there are many skills you lack. "You can't do everything, and I've had to build skills I lacked, especially around operations, and learn to rely on a team. It's been the hardest but biggest personal development journey." Brennan agreed and emphasised the importance of knowing your strengths. 'You can't be expected to be an expert in everything. I'm an engineer, I teamed up with an actuary, and we have very different strengths that complement each other well." This inaugural cross-fund Investee Day marks a significant milestone in Edge Growth's commitment to empowering the diverse small businesses within their investment portfolio across all managed funds. Under the Edge Growth Ventures umbrella, one of South Africa's most prominent SME fund managers with over R2bn in assets under management, this event draws inspiration from practices common in the Venture Capital sector and has created a platform that fosters collaboration, growth, and shared learning. In closing, chief executive officer of Edge Growth Ventures, Janice Johnson reflected on the purpose and impact of the event, emphasising the company's ongoing commitment to backing resilient teams, strong ideas, and entrepreneurs who share a vision for meaningful impact. 'Our goal was to create meaningful, unstructured opportunities for connection, learning, and inspiration, and this first Investee Day truly exceeded expectations. It sparked deep conversations, honest storytelling, and the beginning of a strong community. We're committed to keeping this momentum going and look forward to making this an annual event that continues to support and grow South Africa's SME ecosystem,' Johnson says. Edge Growth is a leading SME and Venture Fund manager, specialising in developing small businesses and creating jobs and real transformation by connecting corporates and entrepreneurs, growing SMEs by addressing their key constraints: access to finance, markets and skills. Our offering consists of three services areas, designed to achieve maximum impact: - ESD Strategy for corporates & building SMEs in their value chain - Investing in and growing SMEs through fund management - Scaling businesses to full potential through accelerator programmes All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa's building funding ready B2B businesses: Applications now open for the SME Advancer Programme
There is no question about the crucial role that SMEs play in the South African economy. SMEs that offer products or services directly to other businesses (B2B enterprises) further strengthen the business ecosystem, drive innovation, and contribute significantly to job creation and regional development. The SME Advancer Programme, in partnership with FNB and small business development specialists Edge Growth, supports B2B enterprises by enhancing business growth, improving funding readiness, and providing access to innovative funding opportunities. Many SMEs miss out on funding due to a range of challenges – this programme is designed to help them overcome those barriers. Applications are now open for the 2025 intake, with submissions closing on 2 May. A total of 30 entrepreneurs across five key industries will be selected to participate in this 18-month programme. Delivered in a hybrid format (digital and in-person sessions), it is designed to maximise flexibility while optimising learning and impact. More than just a business development initiative, the SME Advancer Programme's core objective is to attract investment and secure funding for SMEs. To this end, it places strong emphasis on financial management and funding readiness. The programme also aims to support growth opportunities, improve operational efficiency, and promote sustainable business practices – all while helping SMEs navigate and apply for appropriate funding channels. Qualifying criteria Applicants must meet the following requirements: - Be a 51% black-owned and managed B2B enterprise (as defined in the BBBEE Act). - Operate within the manufacturing and engineering, food processing and supply chain, service delivery, technology hardware and supply, or retail and wholesale sectors. - Have an annual turnover between R1 million and R10 million - Have been in operation for over one year - Be SARS compliant and not undergoing business rescue or liquidation - Demonstrate a growth mindset and a commitment to fully participate in the 18-month programme. Entrepreneurs will undergo a six-stage application process, with only those who meet the requirements at each stage advancing to the next. Programme features Starting in June 2025, the programme provides a comprehensive support structure aimed at helping entrepreneurs strengthen financial and operational systems to confidently pursue funding. Key programme elements include: - Business diagnostic assessments to identify strengths, weaknesses, and growth opportunities - Financial health assessments to evaluate profitability, cash flow, and funding potential - One-on-one financial and business mentorship to implement tailored growth strategies - Specialist project support targeted to each enterprise's specific challenges. Participants will also have the opportunity to apply for innovative funding solutions as an outcome of their improved financial and operational foundations. Advancer Programme success stories: Young Peers, a civils and construction business, excelled in project execution but lacked key business skills in marketing, operations, and management. Through the programme, the business achieved major improvements in operational efficiency and transformed the founder from a technical expert into a well-rounded entrepreneur with critical business management skills. Coalition Energy, owned by Mariam Diedericks and based in Cape Town, faced challenges with inconsistent cash flow, outdated operations, and low client engagement. With the help of the programme, a clear sales and marketing strategy was developed. Sales training transformed the team's confidence and effectiveness, helping unlock new potential. The business is now focusing on expanding its client base, launching new services in the Renewable Energy Sector and Green Economy, and further optimising its operations. Star Centre George, owned by Kubeshnie Naidu, operates in the automotive sector. Despite having over 20 years' experience in motor body repair, Kubeshnie lacked formal business education, resulting in operational inefficiencies, stagnant revenue, and limited growth. Through the programme, interventions such as regular mentorship, performance assessments, SOP development, financial literacy training, and implementation of an OHS plan significantly improved strategic decision-making, financial management, staff productivity, and business sustainability. Interested in joining the SME Advancer Programme? Applications open Monday, 7 April 2025, and close on 2 May. Apply here! For general programme queries, contact the Edge Growth team at vharris@ Edge Growth specialises in developing small businesses and creating jobs and real transformation by connecting corporates and entrepreneurs, growing SMEs by addressing their key constraints: Access to finance, markets and skills. Its offering consists of three service areas, designed to achieve maximum impact: - ESD strategy for corporates and building SMEs in their value chain - Investing in and growing SMEs through fund management - Scaling businesses to full potential through accelerator programmes All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
