Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking, in partnership with the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sacci, has launched the Export Readiness Programme to support 20 high-potential small and medium sized enterprises SMEs in KwaZulu-Natal.
This comes as SMEs face barriers to global markets, such as complex export regulations and limited funding, that make it difficult for them to expand internationally, despite the provinces trade advantages of having two major ports and strong manufacturing and agricultural sectors.
Built on the banks Enterprise and Supplier Development platform, the programme, which was launched on 30 June, offers export compliance training, trade finance solutions, and market access through the banks African network and Saccis trade partnerships. It targets black-owned SMEs with turnovers under R50 million.
SMEs in KZN are ambitious and capable but they need the right ecosystem to grow internationally, said Naledzani Mosomane, Head of Enterprise and Supplier Development at Standard Bank South Africas Business and Commercial Banking division.
This programme delivers that by offering practical tools and strategic partnerships to help businesses start, manage, and grow sustainably, and beyond borders.
Sacci, representing enterprises across sectors, strengthens the programme with its trade networks and advocacy.
South Africas economic future depends on unlocking the potential of our SMEs, said Alan Mukoki, Sacci CEO.
This partnership with Standard Bank is a pipeline to global markets for KZN businesses that are ready to take the next step.
The programme equips SMEs with compliance training, funding tools, and connections to intra-Africa trade corridors.
The programme is accepting applications until 9 July and starts on 17 July 2025.
Apply here .
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