Latest news with #SethMulli
The Citizen
20 hours ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Artisans of Mzansi 2025: Entries open to empower South African trade businesses
Allan Gray Makers has officially opened entries for Artisans of Mzansi 2025, a national campaign designed to recognise and empower South Africa's most outstanding artisan entrepreneurs. The initiative seeks to challenge negative perceptions around technical trades, inspire young people to pursue artisanal careers and accelerate the growth of small and medium businesses in the sector. Despite the National Development Plan's target of producing 30 000 qualified artisans annually by 2030, South Africa produces only 15 000. ALSO READ: Kaalfontein school excels in entrepreneurial skills A key barrier is the stigma around Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and trade careers, discouraging young people from entering this critical industry. Artisans of Mzansi aims to change this narrative by profiling successful artisan entrepreneurs as role models, demonstrating the viability and dignity of careers in plumbing, electrical work, construction, carpentry, and related trades. 'South Africa's artisan economy is a powerhouse of untapped potential. Through Artisans of Mzansi, we celebrate skilled tradespeople and rewrite the story of what it means to be an artisan. 'These entrepreneurs are job creators, innovators, and nation-builders. By showcasing their success, we hope to inspire a new generation to see the trades as a first-choice career path,' said Seth Mulli, programme director of Allan Gray Makers. Artisans of Mzansi will identify and reward exceptional artisans and trade businesses through a competitive process. Winners will receive cash prizes and a year of business advisory support to scale their enterprises. ALSO READ: Local skills centre leads youngsters to a brighter future To enter, artisans must: • Be a qualified artisan (with a trade test). • Be the owner or 50% partner in a formalised trade business (plumbing, electrical, or construction). • Be a South African citizen or permanent resident, aged 50 or younger in 2025. • Ensure their business operates ethically and complies with industry standards. Micro businesses earning between R0 and R1m in revenue can win R50 000 while small businesses earning between R1m and R5m stand a chance of winning R100 000. Medium-sized businesses earning over R5m can win R50 000. Interested artisans can submit their applications online by June 30. Shortlisted candidates will undergo interviews and pitch presentations before the organisers announce the winners. For more information and to apply, visit At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
Zawya
28-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Allan Gray Makers and E Squared Investments launch Imara SMME Fund
The fund aims to transform 20,000 artisan SMMEs into drivers of job creation and community growth. In a bold move to reshape South Africa's economic landscape, the Imara Artisan SMME Fund has officially launched, pledging to empower the nation's unsung heroes: artisan entrepreneurs. Spearheaded by Allan Gray Makers and seeded by E Squared Investments, this fund targets the R300bn funding gap stifling small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in critical artisan trades. The initiative aims to bridge this critical gap by empowering 20,000 artisan microbusinesses to spur job creation, strengthen local economies and foster inclusive socioeconomic progress. Derived from the Kiswahili words for 'strength' and 'resilience,' IMARA transcends the traditional definition of a fund, it stands as a lifeline for South Africa's unsung economic backbone: its artisans. These skilled individuals, who craft the nation's infrastructure and sustain communities through their labour, have long been marginalised by rigid financial systems. Yet, their contributions are undeniable: small and medium enterprises (SMMEs), many led by artisans, fuel over 30% of the country's GDP and 60% of its employment. IMARA's launch boldly confronts this contradiction, channeling innovative solutions to unleash the untapped potential of those who power South Africa's growth from the ground up. Seth Mulli, programme director at Allan Gray Makers, captures this vision: 'Artisans don't just build homes and roads, they build dreams. But when denied fair access to capital, their impact remains shackled. IMARA isn't merely financing tools; we're financing dignity. Every rand invested becomes a brick in South Africa's foundation of inclusive growth.' Echoing this sentiment, Gladwyn Leeuw, CEO of E Squared Investments, adds: 'This is a transformative moment in unlocking the untapped potential of South Africa's artisan entrepreneurs. This initiative will empower thousands of artisans, creating a ripple effect of prosperity that extends far beyond the businesses themselves, strengthening communities and driving national progress.' The fund introduces South Africa's first financing model tailored to artisans' unique challenges: - Asset Rentals: Partnerships with leading Building Supply Retailers will enable SMMEs to rent essential tools and equipment without upfront cash requirements. - Material Financing: Artisan entrepreneurs can access materials needed for projects through channel partners without immediate payment obligations. - Invoice Discounting: SMMEs will receive liquidity immediately after completing projects instead of waiting 45-90 days for payment from clients. IMARA invites investors to amplify its reach. Returns here transcend financial metrics: For every R1 invested, IMARA projects R8 in social value through jobs created, skills honed, and communities revitalised. The fund is now stewarded by Setana Capital, a specialist in impact-driven portfolios, to ensure this dual mandate of profit and purpose delivers measurable change. About Allan Gray Makers: Allan Gray Makers, a programme of Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies is committed to transforming South Africa's technical and vocational trades through entrepreneurial education. By 2035, Allan Gray Makers aims to have supported 10,000 to 20,000 artisanal enterprises, resulting in 300 000 income earning opportunities impacting one million lives in their households. About E Squared Investments: E Squared is a South African Impact Investor that provides funding and end-to-end business support to high-growth businesses, early-stage founders and social enterprises that create youth entrepreneurship opportunities.
