Over the years, FNB has built a community economy book of R18 billion — which includes a base of over 250,000 entrepreneurs who are the backbone of their communities. In the most recent financial year, the bank grew this book by over R2 billion, helping even more business owners access the funding they need to run and grow their businesses.
This isn’t just a number: it’s thousands of new jobs created, families supported, and local economies strengthened. In a sector that employs nearly one in five working South Africans and contributes an estimated R750 billion to the national economy, access to finance is often the difference between survival and growth.
For many informal businesses, spaza shops, salons, taverns, hairdressers, and local logistics providers—traditional banking has been out of reach. FNB’s approach changes this by looking beyond paperwork and collateral, instead using real-world indicators like timely payments to suppliers and staff.
For example, a salon owner can access working capital based on daily card sales. When demand spikes before the festive season, the owner can quickly secure funds, stock up, and hire extra hands. Repayments are made as a small percentage of each day’s sales, keeping cash flow steady.
For a tavern owner, owning a payment device outright, rather than paying monthly rental, means its less one more monthly expense impacting cash flow, while providing customers with an alternative payment method to cash.
The impact is tangible:
- R18 billion in loans advanced to the community economy has enabled thousands of businesses to expand, innovate, and employ more people.
- Advances to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) grew by 20% in FY2025, with a 28% increase for businesses with a turnover of up to R5 million.
- Deposits from MSMEs rose by 20% overall and 27% in the R0–R5 million turnover segment.
- Sectors such as spaza shops, salons, taverns, and local logistics providers continue to outperform, with demand for working‑capital solutions growing between 28% and 30% in the R0-R1 million and R1-R5 million segments, respectively.
This impact goes far beyond what’s reflected in financial statements — it represents new opportunities for business owners who have long been excluded from traditional finance. A spaza shop can weather tough months, a salon can hire and train young people, and a tavern can invest in safer, more efficient operations.
In a country where the community economy is a lifeline for millions, especially the youth who are unable to find jobs—every rand of funding is a step towards greater inclusion and resilience.
FNB’s commitment extends beyond lending. Over 3,400 entrepreneurs attended business literacy workshops this year, and hundreds joined networking events and mentorship programmes. Digital payment solutions and platforms like nav» Marketplace are helping businesses reach new customers and suppliers.
“Our approach is about understanding the realities of the community economy,” says Jose Gomes, Business Development Head at FNB Commercial. “We look at how businesses manage their day-to-day finances—paying suppliers, staff, and landlords on time—rather than just their paperwork. This means more entrepreneurs can access finance, manage cash flow, and expand their businesses.”
These are not just statistics, they are stories of resilience, growth, and hope. FNB’s goal is to help businesses in the community economy overcome barriers, build sustainable futures, and contribute to a more inclusive South African economy.
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