Masisizane Fund has launched a 12-month programme aimed at helping established South African SMEs address the financial, operational and governance gaps that can prevent them from securing growth capital.
The Masisizane Investment Readiness Programme (MIRP) is designed for businesses that have demonstrated market traction but may not yet have the systems, records and financial discipline required by funders.
Rather than providing funding alone, the programme will support participating businesses in becoming investment-ready through business development support, mentorship, financial and operational strengthening, governance assistance, growth planning and specialist advisory services.
“MIRP is designed to close those gaps in a practical way by helping SMEs build the systems, governance, financial records and growth plans that investors expect,” says Masisizane’s investment head, Thabang Hleza.
Preparing SMEs for growth capital
The programme uses a five-stage framework beginning with a diagnostic assessment of a business’s financial, operational, governance and compliance capabilities.
The assessment will then inform a tailored growth roadmap containing actions, milestones, timelines and accountability measures.
Participating SMEs will also receive support with investor documentation and data room preparation, while their progress will be monitored against agreed milestones.
The programme is intended to help businesses pursue funding of between R1m and R20m. According to Masisizane, participants should leave the programme with stronger internal systems, improved visibility of business performance, investment documentation and a clearer growth strategy.
The programme will be delivered through two implementation partners. Fetola will focus on agribusiness and manufacturing, while 22 On Sloane, in partnership with Teksa Holdings, will focus on logistics and services.
Who can apply?
MIRP is open to growth-stage SMEs operating in:
- Manufacturing
- Agribusiness
- Logistics
- Services
Businesses must be formally registered and operating in South Africa, be at least 51% black-owned, have been operating for at least three years and generate annual revenue of between R1m and R50m.
The programme is open nationally, with preference given to businesses in high-impact regions, women-owned businesses and businesses owned or managed by people living with disabilities.
Masisizane says the programme is also intended for businesses that have previously sought funding unsuccessfully or are preparing for future investment opportunities.
Applications are now open through the programme's implementation partners.
For agribusiness and manufacturing, applications are being handled by Fetola. Logistics and services businesses can apply through 22 On Sloane in partnership with Teksa Holdings.
MIRP forms part of Masisizane Fund’s broader approach to SME development, with the organisation aiming to build a pipeline of established, black-owned businesses capable of attracting growth capital, expanding operations and creating jobs.
