Despite KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN’s) strategic advantages as a trade hub, many of the province’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are unable to participate in global markets. Obstacles such as complex export regulations, limited access to funding, and a lack of international trade experience continue to stifle SME growth beyond South Africa’s borders.
In response, Standard Bank Business & Commercial Banking, in partnership with the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI), today launched the Export Readiness Programme. The initiative opens for applications today, 30 June 2025 and closes Wednesday, 9 July 2025, and will support 20 high-potential KZN-based SMEs with hands-on training, access to markets, and export compliance support.
The programme is built on Standard Bank Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) platform, which combines tailored funding, capacity-building, and strategic market access. Through this initiative, selected SMEs will receive:
- Export compliance and certification training
- Access to funding tools and trade finance solutions
- Connection to new markets through Standard Bank’s African presence and SACCI’s trade networks
“SMEs in KZN are ambitious and capable but they need the right ecosystem to grow internationally,” says Naledzani Mosomane, Head of Enterprise and Supplier Development at Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank South Africa. “This programme delivers that by offering practical tools and strategic partnerships to help businesses start, manage and grow sustainably beyond, and beyond borders.”
The Standard Bank ESD programme supports black-owned SMEs to drive inclusive growth and transformation. It is delivering the KZN Export Readiness Programme in partnership with SACCI, South Africa’s largest and most established business chamber. SACCI represents enterprises across all sectors and regions. Its mandate includes policy advocacy, investment promotion, and enterprise development, making it a critical ally in supporting SME competitiveness.
“South Africa’s economic future depends on unlocking the potential of our SMEs,” says Alan Mukoki, CEO of SACCI. “This partnership with Standard Bank is a pipeline to global markets for KZN businesses that are ready to take the next step.”
With two major ports, strong manufacturing and agricultural sectors, and growing intra-Africa trade corridors, KZN is ideally positioned to lead SME-driven export growth. The Export Readiness Programme leverages this advantage, equipping businesses with the skills, confidence, and compliance readiness to succeed globally.
Programme Snapshot:
| Applications Open: | 30 June 2025 |
| Applications Deadline: | 09 July 2025 |
| Programme Launch | 17 July 2025 |
| Target Participants | 20 SMEs in KZN |
Interested KZN SMEs can apply on or before the closing date of Wednesday, 9 July 2025 by visiting by this: [LINK].
DID YOU KNOW?
The Standard Bank ESD programme is designed to strengthen and grow black-owned businesses in South Africa by improving access to funding, skills development, and market opportunities. It targets businesses that are at least 51% Black-owned, have a proven operational track record, and demonstrate strong growth potential, typically with an annual turnover of under R50 million.
The ESD programme offers a range of tailored support initiatives, including affordable development funding, business advisory services, mentorship programmes, and supplier development partnerships that connect small businesses to larger corporate value chains. In addition to direct financial support, Standard Bank provides technical assistance, business incubation, entrepreneurial training, and networking opportunities that enable SMEs to build capacity, scale sustainably, and create lasting economic impact within their communities.
The programme supports qualifying enterprises across a range of sectors, with a strategic focus on helping businesses expand their operational footprint, integrate into corporate supply chains, and deliver sustainable job creation.
Through its ESD initiatives, Standard Bank is committed to fostering inclusive economic participation, driving entrepreneurial success, and enabling black-owned businesses to move from survivalist operations to thriving, growth-oriented enterprises.
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