Ecosystem initiatives
Black Investment Professionals Associate Programme
Growing the next generation of Black VC talent
The SA SME Fund supports transformation in the venture capital industry through a three-year Associate Programme that places high-potential Black professionals within accredited fund managers.
We cover 75% of the Associate’s cost-to-company, with the fund manager contributing 25%. Associates gain hands-on experience across deal sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio support, helping build a stronger and more inclusive pipeline of future investment leaders.
This programme expands Black talent in the asset class and strengthens transformation at both fund and portfolio level.
Fund manager training
The SA SME Fund partnered with SAVCA to run two Fund Manager Development Programmes aimed at strengthening and transforming South Africa’s early-stage investment landscape.
Fund Manager Development Programme I
Supporting 11 Black-owned and 8 Black women-owned fund managers with institutional training, governance tools, and investment capability development.
Fund Manager Development Programme II
Developing 8 emerging VC managers through targeted mentorship and skills-building to strengthen South Africa’s early-stage investment ecosystem.
Accelerator programmes
Grindstone Accelerator
The SA SME Fund supported the Grindstone Accelerator to help high-growth South African start-ups refine their business models, accelerate traction, and become investor-ready. Grindstone provides founders with mentorship, specialist support, and structured growth tools that meaningfully increase their chances of scaling sustainably.
Endeavor Scale-Up Programme
We partnered with Endeavor to expand its Scale-Up Programme, which supports emerging high-growth entrepreneurs with mentorship, market access, and strategic guidance. This programme strengthens the pipeline of scale-ready South African businesses and helps founders build companies capable of competing globally.
