Skilled artisans across the Eastern Cape are being offered a rare opportunity to grow their businesses, access funding and create jobs through the newly launched Grow Programme, an initiative aimed at strengthening SA’s construction sector and empowering small business owners.
Applications for the 10-month programme are now open and close on March 31 2027, with organisers calling on plumbers, electricians, bricklayers, carpenters and other construction-sector entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity.
The programme, delivered by the Artisan Venture Hub in partnership with the FEM Education Foundation, is designed to help artisan-owned businesses move beyond survival mode and position themselves for long-term growth.
Participants will receive tailored business support, mentorship, skills development and access to funding opportunities through the Imara Artisan SMME Fund.
Programme director Seth Mulli told the Go! the initiative came at a crucial time as SA continued to grapple with high unemployment and slow economic growth.
Mulli said many artisan entrepreneurs had already demonstrated their ability to build successful businesses but required structured support to unlock their full potential.
“The Grow Programme recognises that many artisan entrepreneurs have built viable businesses but require structured support to refine systems, improve operational efficiency and strengthen long-term profitability,” said Mulli.
The programme targets owner-managed construction businesses that have been operating for at least two years, employ a minimum of two full-time staff members and generate annual turnovers of between R600,000 and R5m.
Eligible applicants must be based in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga or Limpopo and have valid business registration and tax compliance documentation.
One of the programme’s success stories is Gqeberha plumber Liyabona Xishibana, who won last year’s microbusiness category award.
She said the experience had opened doors for her growing enterprise.
“The award helped us showcase our skills and learn from others in the industry, enabling us to improve and strive for excellence,” said Xishibana.
Beyond funding and business development, organisers believe the initiative has the potential to stimulate local economies by helping artisans create sustainable jobs and expand their services within communities.
The Grow Programme forms part of the broader Allan Gray Makers initiative, which focuses on supporting entrepreneurs and driving inclusive economic growth across SA.
With thousands of skilled artisans looking for opportunities to expand their businesses, the programme could provide a significant boost to a sector widely regarded as a cornerstone of economic development and infrastructure delivery.
Successful candidates are expected to begin the programme in April 2027.
