Start Small Foundation

21/08/2026

Applications for the National Presidential MSME and Cooperatives Awards 2026 are underway!

If you are a South African-registered business, submit your application today.

The Presidential MSME Awards offer your business the opportunity to gain national recognition.

Apply today at: msmeawards.org

20/08/2026

The Student Market is back!🥳🤌

Come through and support student entrepreneurs as they showcase their businesses, products and creativity. From unique finds to delicious treats to an exciting fashion show, there’s something for everyone! 🙂‍↔️

Everyone is invited, with or without a business to discover how a market works, interact with entrepreneurs alike, get to know how you can reach out to our office for business consultancy.💫

Bring your friends, shop local, and support student entrepreneurs!💃🏾

18/08/2026

📣 Applications for *Cohort 7 are Now Open!*

Applications for *Cohort 7 of the Heavy Chef × FNB Community Business Programme* are officially open!

If you've never participated in the programme before, this is your opportunity to join a community of entrepreneurs committed to learning, growing, and building stronger businesses.

Know another founder who would benefit from the programme? Please share this opportunity with them.

📝 Apply here:
🔗 https://heavychef.com/apply-fnb

📖 Learn more about the programme:
🔗 https://www.heavychef.com/community-business-programme

We can't wait to welcome the next cohort of entrepreneurs into the Heavy Chef community. 💛

Get inspired and empowered, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and learn from some Heavy Chefs in business. If you are the owner of a small business that has been operating for at least one year, we invite you to apply for this 10 week free programme.

17/08/2026

SEDFA is responsible for R150 million of the R500 million allocated to the Spaza Shop Support Fund. Under SEDFA’s R150 million allocation, eligible spaza shop owners can access R40,000 worth of stock and other non-financial support interventions.

See the impact of the Spaza Shop Support Fund to date. 👇

17/08/2026

Nelson Mandela University

15/08/2026

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Renz Noor, Asemahle Soji, Sonelise Bisha, Sonwabiso Jubase, Ludwe Ml, Lwanele Nkwili, Lusu LeNgwe, Cwayita Lello Jubase, Gõdmãñ Kgolane, Benathi BL Mtebza, S Mii No, Avela Mtete II, Simlindile Zithaâ, Bukho Golozeleni, Sive Christopher, Sisonke Walaza, Amogelang Jŕ, Siphamandla Jackson Hendrick, Mokgadi Mochebane, Mongezll Dlaminll, Sivikelo Dlamini

13/08/2026

Our Volunteers Begin Their Journey at Start Small Foundation 🌱

Our volunteers have officially begun their volunteer journey at Start Small Foundation, and their first experience has already been filled with meaningful learning, reflection and personal growth.

As part of their journey, our volunteers attended a Personal vs Business Brand Workshop hosted by NMU SEED and facilitated by Sesethu Gqomo Seyibokwe.

One of the key lessons was understanding the difference between a personal brand and a business brand. Our volunteers learned that personal branding starts with knowing who you are, understanding your values and being clear about what you stand for. Before building a strong business brand, it is important to build a strong personal brand.

One question from the workshop particularly stood out:

“Go and search your name on Google. What is written about you? Are you happy with what you see? Does it reflect the person that you are?”

This powerful question encouraged our volunteers to reflect on their digital presence and how they are perceived by others.

Another valuable takeaway was the importance of seeing yourself as the “star player and the CEO of me.” Before we can effectively lead others, we must first learn to lead, manage and develop ourselves.

The event was a fantastic and impactful experience, providing our volunteers with valuable insights into personal branding, leadership and professional development.

Although they did not get the opportunity to engage directly with the presenter or organisers this time, they look forward to making meaningful connections and networking at future events.

We are proud to see our volunteers taking initiative, learning new skills and embracing opportunities for personal and professional growth.

This is only the beginning of their journey. 🌱

09/08/2026

With Nelson Mandela University – I just got recognised as one of their top fans!