AWIEF-Nedbank is now accepting applications for the 2026 Women Enterprise Growth & Export Programme. This fully funded, 12-month enterprise and supplier development initiative is designed for established, black women-owned, product-based businesses in South Africa.
Formed through a three-year partnership between Nedbank and AWIEF, each annual cohort selects 25 entrepreneurs to help strengthen operations, enhance financial and retail readiness, and access corporate, public-sector, and export trade opportunities.
Key Program Benefits:
- Practical Training & Diagnostics: Customized business diagnostic assessment and strategic growth plan.
- Mentorship & Coaching: Technical mentoring and 1-on-1 business coaching.
- Investment & Retail Readiness: Support to prepare your business for corporate supply chains and financial investment.
- Market Access: Facilitated linkages to national, regional (intra-Africa), and international markets.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Ownership: At least 51% owned by black women.
- Business Classification: Registered in South Africa as an Exempted Micro Enterprise (EME) or Qualifying Small Enterprise (QSE).
- Operational Status: Legally registered, post-revenue, actively trading, and serving paying customers.
- Business Model: Must be product-based (manufacturing, processing, assembling, packaging, formulating, or distributing physical goods).
- Commitment: The woman owner must be able to commit to the full 12-month schedule.
Priority Sectors
Businesses operating in any of the following 11 sectors are eligible to apply:
Enjoying this article? Share it with your network!
- Agriculture & Agro-processing
- Manufacturing
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Cleaning & Hygiene
- Textile, Apparel & Accessories
- Beauty, Wellness & Personal Care
- Tourism & Hospitality
- Design & Craft
- Building & Construction
- Green Economy & Renewable Energy
- Circular Economy
How to Apply
Interested applicants can read more and view full guidelines on the official website: https://awief.untap.us/women-growth-export
- Application Deadline: September 7, 2026
- Program Cost: Fully funded (No application or participation fees)
Disclaimer:
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and funding outcomes are not guaranteed.
