GrandWest is calling on local businesses to apply for the GrandWest Enterprise and Supplier Development programme (ESD) which aims to give SMMEs a hand up to take their businesses to the next level.
In addition to mentorship and knowledge sharing, the programme also assists small businesses with loans which applicants can pay back over a period of thirty-six months.
GrandWest’s total ESD programme spend for 2025 included R2.7-million spent in cash on business coaching.
- The ESD programme was introduced in 2014, but formalised as a business incubation hub in 2018. Since 2014, the programme has supported over 40 community businesses and many have since been signed up as suppliers. Since 2018 GrandWest has granted over R28-million in loans and almost R12-million in grants in support of business coaching.
Applications are assessed by a committee consisting of heads of all departments at GrandWest. Successful applicants agree to sign up for a three-year programme during which time they receive the mentorship their business needs to grow.
In year one, business owners are taught important subjects like financial control, governance in business, human resources skills, accounting and so on. In year two and three, their mentors and consultants give more in depth training in subjects that each business owner needs for their particular business. Throughout the three-year course, they will also receive general advice about issues such as security, health and safety.
Previous applications have included event and décor planners, branding specialists, food and beverage distributors, maintenance specialists including builders, plumbers and electricians and many other fields.
The criteria include having a registered business that is 51% empowered, some business acumen (in their field) and the business must have been in existence for at least two years. Start-up businesses are welcome to apply, must have offtake agreements or long-term contracts.
Applicants need to submit a business proposal that includes a three-year financial forecast, certified copies of their South African ID and that of all shareholders, their business registration documents, tax clearance certificate, B-BBEE certificate and a minimum of two years’ of audited financials. They can either drop off their applications and supporting documents at GrandWest or they can contact Chrissy Dyers on 021 505 7593 or on chrissy.dyers@suninternational.com or Layla Essop on 021 505 7590 or on Layla.essop@suninternational.com to make arrangements or to get more information.
Mervyn Naidoo, General Manager of GrandWest said, “So many of the small businesses who have graduated from our ESD programme are flourishing and have gone on to make us proud. Many are still with us as suppliers. We look forward to welcoming new businesses to the class of 2026”
The last day for applications is Monday, 16 March 2026
