Nedbank–AWIEF Women Enterprise Growth and Export Programme 2026 for for South African Women Entrepreneurs

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Applications are open for Nedbank–AWIEF Women Enterprise Growth and Export Programme 2026. A fully funded 12-month enterprise and supplier development programme for established, black women-owned, product-based businesses in South Africa — built to grow your capacity, your buyers and your markets.

The Nedbank–AWIEF Women Enterprise Growth and Export Programme is a 12-month enterprise and supplier development programme for established, black women-owned, product-based businesses in South Africa. It is designed to help participating businesses strengthen their operations, improve their financial and market readiness, and access larger corporate, retail, public-sector, regional and international opportunities.

It forms part of a three-year partnership between Nedbank and AWIEF that will support 75 black women-owned SMMEs, with 25 businesses selected for each annual cohort. Selected businesses receive practical business growth training, an individual business diagnostic and development plan, coaching, technical mentoring, supplier and retail-readiness support, financial and investment-readiness support, export development and market-access linkages.

The programme is intended for businesses that are already operating, generating revenue and ready to grow. Participating businesses should have the potential to strengthen their systems, increase production or delivery capacity, supply larger buyers, enter new markets and progress towards regional or international expansion.

Sectors Eligible

The programme is open to product-based businesses in the following eleven sectors.

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

Nedbank–AWIEF Women Enterprise Growth and Export Programme Benefits

Twelve months of tailored, practical support to strengthen operations and products, prepare for larger markets and pursue sustainable growth.

Business Growth Support
- Practical training to strengthen operations, systems and delivery capacity.
Diagnostic & Development Plan
- An individual business diagnostic with a growth plan built around your gaps.
Coaching & Technical Mentoring
- High-contact, one-on-one guidance from experienced business practitioners.
Product, Supplier & Retail Readiness
- Get your product, packaging and processes ready for larger buyers and shelves.
Market-Access Support
- Structured pathways into corporate, retail, public-sector and e-commerce markets.
Finance & Investment Readiness
- Strengthen financial records and prepare for funding and investment conversations.
Export-Readiness Support
- Build the compliance, costing and capability to trade beyond South Africa.
Regional Trade & Partnerships
- Intra-Africa trade linkages and partnership opportunities across the continent.
Networking & Buyer Linkages
- Introductions to buyers, retailers and partners through the AWIEF network.
AWIEF2026 Conference Participation
- Take part in Africa’s leading women’s business conference and exhibition.
Ongoing Progress Tracking
- Regular reviews and reporting so growth stays measurable across the 12 months.
Fully Funded Participation
- No participation fee — the programme is fully funded by Nedbank and AWIEF.