The accelerator is a 12-month business growth programme designed to assist 20 established SMEs in the manufacturing and textiles sector. Its sole purpose is to empower candidates from Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.
Throughout the programme, the implementation partner, Fetola, will help improve systems and prepare candidates for commercial opportunities while sharpening business skills such as operational insight, financial literacy and market awareness.
This programme is open to apparel manufacturers, fashion designers, boutique brands and businesses producing accessories, footwear and leather goods.
“We believe supporting green and sustainable businesses is a key pillar of our purpose-driven approach, which aims to create positive impact,” says Maluta Netshaulu, head of social impact portfolio development at Nedbank.
“Entrepreneurship has a critical role to play in South Africa’s transition to a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable economy.
“Through this programme, we are helping entrepreneurs build commercially ready businesses and contributing to job creation, localisation and the growth of a circular economy that delivers long-term value for people, communities and the environment,” adds Netshaulu.
More than eight million tonnes of clothing and textile materials are produced globally, and over 90 million tonnes are discarded.
However, this presents an opportunity for innovation, circularity and sustainable enterprise development.
For many emerging fashion and textile entrepreneurs, the journey from small business to commercially ready enterprise remains constrained by limited access to markets, investment and growth capital.
Despite the sector’s potential to create jobs, reduce waste and drive inclusive economic growth, funding and market-access challenges continue to prevent many promising businesses from scaling regionally and internationally.
Recently, AllFashion Sourcing Cape Town extended its platform to Johannesburg, showcasing the designers participating in its various programmes.
This added momentum led into an event that brought together the glamour of a fashion showcase and the prestige of an awards ceremony, including the 2026 Green Economy Indaba Awards.
“Seeing designers develop their craft, strengthen their businesses and gain recognition on platforms such as this is truly inspiring,” remarks Netshaulu.
“Their growth is a testament to the impact that access to opportunities, mentorship and support can have on South Africa’s creative economy,” Netshaulu adds.
![Image credit: [https://kaboompics.com/photo/42026/blue-plastic-sheet-abstract-texture-vertical-composition Kaboompics]]](https://biz-file.com/c/2610/824275-300x156.jpg?5)
