Call for Applications: Amazon Web Services South Africa’s Equity Equivalent Investment Programme for SMEs

Amazon Web Services (AWS) South Africa is currently accepting applications from ICT-focused Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for the 2024 edition of the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP). After incubating and providing support for 27 local SMEs since 2020, they aim to generate another 20 success stories.

The 18 to 24-month acceleration scheme is designed to help black-owned SMEs establish their enterprises. Participants become part of a global network of over 120,000 AWS Partner Network businesses, gaining access to Amazon’s systems, resources, and expertise. The program presents SMEs with local and international market opportunities and contributes to South Africa’s job creation efforts.

Country manager at AWS South Africa, Chris Erasmus, emphasised the critical role of these SMEs in driving the economy. He spoke of AWS’s unique approach towards supporting these SMEs, from providing financial resources to imparting training and aiding in business development. He highlighted the progress of female-founded SMEs, such as One Linkage and Melio AI, in the program.

The 2024 EEIP will majorly focus on empowering female and youth entrepreneurs. Past participants have already helped create over 150 jobs for South African youth. AWS EEIP SME partners have collectively achieved over 603 AWS certifications, 1,032 AWS accreditations, and on average, increased their revenue by 126% since programme participation.

The AWS EEIP prioritises 100% South African, black-owned ICT SMEs, and those utilising technology to deliver industry solutions. By leveraging AWS cloud services, these SMEs can address their customer challenges whilst contributing to job creation and the local economy. Eligible businesses should fall under the guidelines of the Amended ICT Sector Codes on Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment.

All applications will undergo a thorough evaluation to determine program eligibility and fit. The selection process includes a technical screening, background checks, and a final business interview. Successful applicants are projected to be onboarded by July-end.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) interested in participating in the Amazon Web Services (AWS) South Africa Equity Equivalent Investment Programme have until 12 April to submit their entries. They can register their applications via the AWS website. For more comprehensive details about the program, they can consult the programme guide that’s available on the website.