Established black women entrepreneurs in South Africa can apply for the AWIEF-NedBank Women Enterprise Growth & Export Programme 2026.
This 12-month programme helps businesses grow their capacity and markets.
In this guide:
- About the opportunity
- Who can apply
- What you get
- Application deadline
- How to apply
- Before you hit submit
- Frequently asked questions
- Final thoughts
About AWIEF Women Enterprise Growth
The AWIEF-NedBank Women Enterprise Growth & Export Programme is run by AWIEF and Nedbank as part of a three-year partnership.
It involves practical business growth training, coaching, and supplier and retail-readiness support.
For African and young applicants, this programme provides valuable opportunities to expand market access and develop their businesses.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible, applicants must meet certain requirements.
- Ownership: Be at least 51% owned by black women.
- Registration: Be legally registered and operating in South Africa.
- Revenue: Be post-revenue, currently trading and serving paying customers.
- Sector: Operate in one of the priority sectors.
- Commitment: Nominate a woman owner who can commit to the full 12-month programme.
- Status: Qualify as an Exempted Micro Enterprise or Qualifying Small Enterprise.
What You Get
Selected businesses receive various forms of support and training.
- Training: Practical business growth training.
- Coaching: Individual business diagnostic and development plan.
- Mentoring: Technical mentoring and supplier and retail-readiness support.
- Financial support: Financial and investment-readiness support.
- Market access: Export development and market-access linkages.
Application Deadline
The deadline is September 07, 2026. The application deadline is September 07, 2026, so applicants should submit their applications well in advance.
How to Apply for AWIEF Women Enterprise Growth
The application process involves several steps.
- Applicants must review the eligibility criteria and ensure they meet all requirements.
- They must then prepare the necessary documents and information.
- Next, they must submit their applications through the designated channel.
- After submission, applicants may be contacted for further information or an interview.
- Finally, selected businesses will be notified and begin the programme.
The button opens the official application on awief.untap.us.
Before You Hit Submit
- Applicants should carefully review the programme’s requirements and benefits.
- They should also ensure they can commit to the full 12-month programme.
- It’s essential to provide accurate and complete information in the application.
- Applicants should also be prepared to discuss their business plans and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the programme?
The programme is 12 months long.
What kind of businesses are eligible?
Product-based businesses in priority sectors are eligible.
What support does the programme provide?
The programme provides training, coaching, mentoring, and financial support.
How many businesses will be selected?
25 businesses will be selected for each annual cohort.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is September 07, 2026.
Final Thoughts
The AWIEF-NedBank Women Enterprise Growth & Export Programme 2026 is a valuable opportunity for established black women entrepreneurs in South Africa to grow their businesses and expand their markets through women enterprise growth.
Looking for more like this? Browse every current entrepreneurship listing on The Opportunity Here.
We summarise opportunity details as published by the organiser. Requirements and deadlines can change without notice, so always confirm on the official application page before you apply. The Opportunity Here is not affiliated with the organisers and never charges a fee to apply.
