Social Entrepreneurship Impact Lab Programme Applications Open

In a bid to support the viability of South African social entrepreneurs, financial service provider First National Bank (FNB) has partnered with Fetola, an SME growth specialist company, to launch the Social Entrepreneurship Impact Lab (SEIL) programme for the second year. Fifty local entrepreneurs addressing pressing social, environmental, and economic issues in South Africa will be selected to take part in the programme. 

Finding solutions to the most pressing problems of our time requires more than the work of the public and non-governmental sectors — there is a growing opportunity for innovative social entrepreneurs to solve social, economic and environmental challenges while building profitable and sustainable businesses.

The programme

SEIL is designed for social entrepreneurs who wish to scale their business model and improve their investment readiness in alignment with social impact goals such as the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs). The programme will run for an 18-month duration and aims to support and back innovative startups and entrepreneurs to drive inclusivity, scalable economic growth and that are invested in social change. 

Interested applicants must have a concept or business idea that aims to transform communities with a tangible and long-lasting solution. The programme will support the growth of 50 social entrepreneurs who are tackling pressing social, environmental and economic issues in SA. The programme will provide the support that social entrepreneurs need to change their growth pathway and reach the full potential and impact of their social enterprise. 

The first 12-month phase offers targeted and practical business growth support and an introduction to investment readiness. Thereafter, 20 high-potential enterprises will be selected to receive investment readiness support during an intensive six-month second phase.

Successful applicants for phase 2 will receive expert tailored solutions to accelerate their enterprise, including individual mentorship from experienced, skilled mentors; access to powerful peer networks; targeted introductions to potential partners and finance providers; and investment readiness support to help them build healthy resilience and lasting scale. 

Philip Mngandi, from Zinacare, a previous programme participant comments on their experience in taking part in the programme. 

“We received guidance along every step of our journey from an experienced mentor who also is very connected and willing to get up and do stuff for, and with, us.”

Applications must be submitted online here.