Johannesburg, South Africa, 03 March 2025 – 22 On Sloane, in partnership with Microsoft South Africa, has launched two high-impact entrepreneurship programmes aimed at empowering small businesses and women-led tech startups with the resources, mentorship, and training needed to scale their ventures.
The SMME Capacity Building Programme, targeted at entrepreneurs in North-West, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, is designed to equip small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) with essential skills in business operations, financial management, and digital transformation. The programme offers structured support to help SMMEs expand their market reach, enhance their digital capabilities, and improve their overall business sustainability.
Simultaneously, the Women in Tech Entrepreneurship Programme, based in Western Cape, is tailored to support female tech founders. Participants will gain access to specialised training, industry experts, and investor networks to accelerate the growth of their startups. This initiative seeks to bridge the gender gap in the technology sector by equipping women entrepreneurs with the tools to accelerate their growth in the ever-burgeoning digital economy.
Who Can Apply?
Both programmes are open to black-owned South African businesses with at least two years in operation and a readiness to scale through digital adoption. Each programme will support ten SMMEs, selected based on the following criteria:
- SMME Capacity Building Programme: Open to EME and QSE businesses in North-West, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, across all sectors. Businesses must have achieved product-market fit and be positioned for growth and to create sustainable jobs.
- Women in Tech Entrepreneurship Programme: Open to women-led tech startups in the Western Cape, with annual revenue under R10 million. Startups must demonstrate or show evidence that the start is nearing product-market fit and a strong potential to scale through technology-driven solutions.
Speaking on the initiative, Bongani Ntombela, Programme Director at 22 On Sloane, emphasised the importance of such programmes in fostering entrepreneurship in underserved communities:
“At 22 On Sloane, we recognise the critical role that SMMEs and furthering gender parity play in driving economic growth. We are quite happy to be working with Microsoft on these two programmes that will provide business owners with the necessary tools to navigate challenges, build resilience, and scale their ventures successfully.”
“At Microsoft, we are deeply committed to fostering economic growth and inclusivity in South Africa. Our collaboration with 22 On Sloane on these high-impact entrepreneurship programmes is a testament to our dedication to broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE). By equipping SMMEs with essential skills and resources, we aim to support their growth and success, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and prosperous South African economy,” said Lebogang Luvuno, Microsoft South Africa BBBEE Executive.
The SMME Capacity Building Programme will run for 12 months, providing hands-on mentorship, digital adoption strategies, and business coaching. The Women in Tech Entrepreneurship Programme will be a 6-month programme, with a focus on product-market fit, investor readiness, and networking opportunities.
Why These Programmes Matter
Both initiatives aim to address key barriers faced by entrepreneurs, including:
- Access to Markets & Networks – Connecting participants with industry leaders, investors, and strategic partners
- Business & Digital Skills Development – Equipping entrepreneurs with practical knowledge for business growth
- Investment Readiness – Providing guidance on securing funding and scaling sustainably
Applications for both programmes are now open
Women in Tech Entrepreneurship Programme (Western Cape) – Closes 17 March 2025
SMME Capacity Building Programme (North-West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga) – Closes 21 March 2025
Entrepreneurs in North-West, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga can apply for the SMME Capacity Building Programme, while female tech founders in Western Cape are encouraged to apply for the Women in Tech Entrepreneurship Programme.
For more details and to apply, visit:
For Media Enquiries:
Boitumelo Kodisang
Email: boitumelo@22onsloane.co
Telephone: 011 463 7602
About 22 On Sloane
22 On Sloane is Africa’s largest startup campus and entrepreneurship hub, dedicated to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. As the proud headquarters of GEN Africa, it fosters entrepreneurship development throughout the continent. GEN Africa connects African entrepreneurs with global resources and advocates for policies that promote sustainable growth of startups and SMMEs.
About Microsoft
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
For Media inquiries, please contact, Boitumelo Kodisang:
Email: boitumelo@22onsloane.co
Telephone: 011 463 7602
Website: www.22onsloane.co
