Edge Growth

🎙️ NEW EPISODE AIRING TOMORROW! We know that SMEs are the backbone of South Africa’s economy — yet for a number of different reasons 70% of them fail within the first 5 years. ESD programmes aim to tackle this challenge by helping SMEs develop their businesses and gain a competitive edge in the market. But the gaps in the ESD ecosystem cannot be ignored. To uncover the reasons for these gaps, an independent study (initiated and funded by Edge Growth) titled "Enhancing Enterprise and Supplier Development Ecosystem Effectiveness in South Africa", was conducted by the GIBS Business School (Gordon Institute of Business Science). After conducting similar surveys internally in prior years (as Edge Growth), GIBS’s input has offered a much needed fresh and credible perspective — shedding light on the root challenges and opportunities within ESD programmes. 🎙️In the upcoming episode of The Cutting Edge podcast, Nabeela Vally (Edge Growth’s Head of Business Development), sits down with Anne Cabot-Alletzhauser (Adjunct Faculty and Practice Director at GIBS Business School (Gordon Institute of Business Science)). Together, they break down the key findings and discuss actionable solutions for building a more effective and sustainable ESD ecosystem. 📈Explore the full research findings here 👉 https://bit.ly/4hXdMzI 🕒 Episode airs tomorrow. Subscribe here 👉 http://bit.ly/3TtbZrh

📈 Launching our 2nd Annual Impact Report! 16 Years of SME Impact 🙌 Last Friday marked yet another proud milestone for us at Edge Growth; the launch of our 2nd impact report and a celebration of 16 years of championing small business development! We celebrated this momentous occasion with our fellow impact visionaries - our partners, ESD industry leaders, and SMEs who’re driving change in their respective sectors. The report revealed incredible achievements that took place over the 2024 year 💥 ✔️Over R216 million was deployed into the SME landscape this past year, the highest deployment year to date for Edge Growth! ✔️ A 77% increase in funding compared to last year, with innovative funding solutions like venture debt and customised funds addressing unique SME challenges ✔️ More than 2000 jobs were created by our portfolio SMEs (focusing on sustainable growth and reduced cost-per-job metrics) EVENT HIGHLIGHTS 👇 🎤 A keynote address (by Mandla Mbuyazi) explored how collaboration and partnerships beyond financial capital can break down barriers, unlock opportunities, and drive sustainable progress for SMEs. 🧑🤝🧑 2 of our portfolio SMEs (Sammy Rabolele & Chantal Winnaar) shared their powerful growth trajectories - demonstrating how resilience and determination, coupled with the right business growth support contributes to sustained success and economic development of communities. 🕴️Edge Growth Executives Janice Johnston, Susan Moloisane & Sharlen Chetty CA(SA) explored the role of innovative funding solutions and tailored mentorship programmes as key drivers of SME growth. 🌐 Lauren Reddy-Gebers reported on behalf of the Edge Growth Blue Skies business unit on how the Impact Finance Network partnership with Anglo American South Africa, Impact Capital Africa and Edge Growth has supported over 80 businesses, created 28,000 jobs, and unlocked $49,3 million in funding in the African SME ecosystem since its inception in 2021. 2024 has been incredibly rewarding, yet a rollercoaster ride! Following this year's success, upping our ante will be an exciting yet daunting challenge. Above all else, we remain committed to our mission of creating SME prosperity in 2025 and beyond! ✨ 🟢 Download the full copy of our 2024 Impact Report here 👉 <https://bit.ly/3ZjbnrS>

💥 SME Spotlight 👏 Sewela Setshogoe, CEO of LEFATA ENGINEERING, delivered an award-winning pitch at the GIBS Business School (Gordon Institute of Business Science) event as part of the Glencore SD Programme. Sewela‘s pitch showcased her exceptional leadership and the remarkable progress of Lefata Engineering in driving success. Specialising in sustainable infrastructure projects, Lefata Engineering is transforming industries and communities with a steadfast commitment to excellence. Lefata Engineering are a beneficiary of the Dynamic Capital ESD Fund (managed by Edge Growth). We know without a doubt that under Sewela’s leadership, Lefata Engineering will continue to set new benchmarks for excellence in engineering 🙌 Discover more about Lefata Engineering here 👉 https://bit.ly/481U0hY

🚐A new era in transport begins with South Africa’s first electric minibus taxi, launched by GoMetro and BetterRides.ai! This pioneering innovation is set to transform urban mobility, reducing carbon emissions and reshaping the future of sustainable transport. GoMetro, former participants of the TENX Entrepreneur Programme, continues to lead the way in reimagining how we move. Their bold vision is driving us toward a more sustainable, efficient, and eco-friendly public transport system. 👏 Congratulations to the teams at GoMetro and BetterRides.AI on this remarkable achievement. Learn more about them here 👉 https://bit.ly/4h43fCc

It’s been an incredible journey watching Art of Scale by Edge Growth co-founder Jason Goldberg come to life. We’re thrilled to announce that the book officially launches on Kindle on the 1st of December 🎉 For years, Jason has been known as the "startup guy" - a title earned through his relentless passion for helping SMEs move beyond startup mode to scaling sustainably. His approach is shaped by countless experiences, including his work creating the 10X Entrepreneur programme to support high-growth SME founders. His book distills this journey into a practical roadmap for founders looking to build resilient businesses. The book is packed with practical insights and real world strategies to help leaders grow with confidence, clarity, and focus. Early readers are already calling it a game changer for anyone serious about taking their scale-up to the next level. Swipe through to see what they’re saying. 📖 📘 Secure your pre-order here 👉https://amzn.to/3AL9kTK

We’re incredibly honoured to have won the Best SME Financier award at the 2024 Africa Global Funds Awards held in Cape Town last night 💚 These awards shine a spotlight on the hard work and dedication of Fund Service Providers across Africa, and it’s truly humbling to be recognised among so many impactful organisations in the ESD space. This recognition is a reminder of what truly matters to us; which is to empower the entrepreneurs and small businesses that are making a real difference across South Africa 🌍 A special thank you to our team members Daniel Hatfield, Caryn Moseley, and Sharlen Chetty CA(SA) for proudly representing Edge Growth and receiving this award on our behalf. Thank you to Africa Global Funds, and a massive congrats to all the other winners 👏👏

Recording in progress! 😎 🎙️We are so excited to be back in studio recording our next set of episodes for the Cutting Edge Podcast. These upcoming episodes will deliver real, practical insights from various industry experts and thought leaders, the likes of Anne Cabot-Alletzhauser, Sifiso Moyo, Nyaniso Rapiya, on varying topics relating to the state of ESD and SME development in our country 🇿🇦. Be sure to subscribe to The Cutting Edge podcast on your preferred platform so you don't miss any future episodes 👉 http://bit.ly/3TtbZrh

🆕 Sweepsouth unveils a bold new look with an exciting rebrand! As a leader in the home services sector, SweepSouth continues to create meaningful change by creating job opportunities and empowering communities across South Africa. This rebrand reflects their deep passion for connecting people and their unwavering dedication to offering outstanding services to households nationwide. Congratulations to founders Aisha Pandor, Alen Ribic and the SweepSouth team on this significant milestone. Their refreshed look and expanded services highlight their continued drive for growth and excellence.👏 Sweep South are a beneficiary of the Vumela ESD Fund (managed by Edge Growth). Discover more about their journey here 👉 https://bit.ly/3U4Aqvy

🚌 LULA scales to new heights with the acquisition of Zeelo’s operations in South Africa! Ride-sharing platform for office workers (Lula), has acquired the South African subsidiary of US-based staff bus-sharing startup Zeelo. This acquisition follows Zeelo’s strategic decision to focus on its US, UK, and Ireland markets, meaning that LULA will leverage Zeelo’s footprint of over 18,000 local riders to expand across various regions in South Africa. Velani Mboweni, co-founder of LULA, shares; “We’re incredibly excited about the future of mobility in emerging cities, and integrating Zeelo into our team positions us perfectly to drive forward this vision.” 👏 Congratulations to LULA’s leaders Velani Mboweni, Xabiso Nodada, and the teams at Lula and Zeelo on this momentous achievement! 💥 Lula is a beneficiary of the Vumela 3.0 ED Fund and Action ESD Fund (managed by Edge Growth) Learn more about them here 👉 https://bit.ly/3U76YFk

👩🏾💼 Edge Growth’s Noluvo Nela took the stage as keynote speaker at the WEConnect International Africa Regional Conference 🎤 This conference championed gender-inclusive sourcing for women-owned businesses, bringing together entrepreneurs, corporations, and governments to expand opportunities for women in the global marketplace. Noluvo Nela, Investment Principal at Edge Growth, shared valuable insights on "Financial Empowerment & Mastering the Numbers," which included: → Key financial strategies for women entrepreneurs → The importance of access to capital → Mastering the numbers to drive business success → The critical need for support networks to enhance women-led businesses The event served as a powerful platform for fostering collaboration and growth among women-led businesses across Africa 🌍 It’s always an honour to contribute to discussions that shape the future of entrepreneurship and empower women in business. 💫 📸 credits: AfroFuture Tech