The nine-month, part-time SBA Development Programme is delivered in four intensive block weeks across several underserved communities, including Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Bonnievale, Aliwal North, East London, Springbok and the Richtersveld. On completion, participants receive a certificate from Stellenbosch University.
A distinctive feature of the programme is its mentorship component. Each participant receives at least 12 hours of one-on-one mentoring from experienced business professionals and Stellenbosch Business School alumni. These sessions help participants apply what they’ve learned, stay motivated and build confidence, both personally and professionally.
To date, over 400 participants have successfully completed the programme. A comprehensive 2022 study highlighted the significant impact of the SBA on its alumni and their businesses. Graduates reported improved business skills and increased entrepreneurial drive, while new opportunities opened up through their involvement in the programme.
The study revealed strong business performance among alumni, with 91.8% employing full-time staff and 88.9% employing part-time staff. Many reported substantial business expansion.
Crucially, most of these jobs are based in marginalised, low-income communities, thereby helping to combat unemployment and socioeconomic inequality.
Alumni businesses span a wide range of industries, with the most common sectors being manufacturing and construction; beauty and health; retail; advertising and marketing; and catering.
“By equipping participants with essential business skills, the programme empowers them to run more efficient, profitable businesses. This boosts economic activity and creates a ripple effect that benefits their entire community,” Prof Bam adds.
But the SBA’s impact does not end at graduation. Through the SBA Growth Initiative, alumni receive ongoing support via advanced mentoring, workshops and masterclasses. These initiatives help graduates solidify their learning, scale their operations and continue contributing to their communities.
Further reinforcing its mission is the SBA Research Unit, which investigates small business development and mentorship models across Southern Africa. Its insights help refine the programme and deepen understanding of the challenges small businesses face.
Students from the Stellenbosch Business School and international exchange programmes also contribute by supporting SBA entrepreneurs with practical projects, such as building websites, developing marketing strategies and setting up financial systems. This creates a mutually beneficial learning experience: students gain hands-on business exposure, and entrepreneurs receive valuable support.
Through its strategic interventions and tangible results, the SBA Development Programme stands as a beacon of hope, fostering economic empowerment and inclusive growth in South Africa’s small business ecosystem.
By bridging academic insight with real-world impact, the SBA is driving transformation, one entrepreneur at a time.
- In 2024, Prof Armand Bam received the Stellenbosch University Individual Award for Social Impact, honouring his dedication to tackling systemic inequality and championing meaningful social change.
- The SBA depends on the generosity of donors to support its activities and sponsor participants’ programme fees. If you would like to support the SBA, please contact Mrs Neeshia Ambalavanam by e-mail: neeshia@stellenboschbusiness.ac.za.
