Standard Bank is set to launch the 2025 edition of its township entrepreneurship programme in Bloemfontein, Free State, on Thursday, 20 February. The initiative aims to equip township entrepreneurs with essential tools and knowledge to build sustainable businesses, focusing on foundational skills and advanced growth strategies.
Building on Past Success
In 2024, Standard Bank successfully rolled out similar support programmes in Soweto (Gauteng), Umlazi (KwaZulu-Natal), and Khayelitsha (Western Cape). This expansion to the Free State underscores the bank’s commitment to fostering economic growth in South Africa’s townships.
“SMEs are vital to the South African economy, yet many struggle to survive beyond their first few years due to limited access to essential resources, including knowledge,” says Shereen Palesa Stamier, Provincial Head of Enterprise Banking (Free State) at Standard Bank South Africa’s Business and Commercial Banking division.
“Our support programme, delivered through academies, is designed to address these challenges head-on, and we are thrilled to bring this initiative to the Free State in 2025.”
What the Programme Offers
The township entrepreneurship programme will continue to address key business challenges through:
- Foundational knowledge: Providing essential business skills and financial literacy to empower entrepreneurs.
- Tailored banking solutions: Offering financial tools that support business operations and growth.
- Beyond banking support: Including digital payment solutions, access to new markets, merchant solutions, enterprise and supplier development, and renewable energy financing.
- Industry insights: Entrepreneurs will gain access to the Standard Bank Africa Trade Barometer and sector-specific themes from the Standard Bank BizConnect platform, providing valuable market trends and business strategies.
Interactive Learning Sessions
Each training session will run for two to four hours, offering practical guidance and expert mentorship from Standard Bank’s relationship managers. The sessions are designed to provide real-world solutions and hands-on assistance for township businesses.
How to Register
Township business owners interested in participating can register for the Bloemfontein, Mangaung training session scheduled for Thursday, 20 February 2025. Seats are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
