FNB and Edge Growth Launch SME Scaling Opportunity
FNB and Edge Growth Launch SME Scaling Opportunity. South African manufacturing small and medium enterprises will have an opportunity to strengthen their competitiveness as applications open for the 2026 SME Import Navigator Programme, an initiative delivered by Edge Growth in partnership with First National Bank. The programme is designed to support Black-owned importing manufacturers seeking to improve resilience, efficiency, and long term sustainability in a challenging trading environment.
Manufacturing SMEs continue to face pressure from global competitors and low cost imports, while also dealing with constraints such as limited market access and heavy reliance on imported inputs. Although SMEs make up the vast majority of businesses in South Africa, only a small share operate in manufacturing, highlighting the need for targeted support to unlock the sector’s potential contribution to industrial growth and employment.
The SME Import Navigator Programme aims to address these gaps through structured business development support. Applications open on 2 February 2026 and close on 8 March 2026. The programme focuses on helping participating companies refine their import strategies, improve production efficiency, strengthen product quality, and expand distribution and sales channels.
Eligible businesses must be at least 51 percent Black owned and generate annual revenues between R10 million and R30 million. The programme is intended for manufacturers that use imported raw materials or components. Targeted sectors include processed food components, beauty and wellness products, electronics and equipment manufacturing, textile and leather production, clothing manufacturing, agricultural supplies, and chemical manufacturing.
Ten SMEs will be selected for the 18 month programme, which runs from 4 May 2026 to the end of October 2027. Participating companies will receive a diagnostic assessment, a customised growth plan, and one on one mentorship. Additional support will include specialist input on imports and product development, sourcing and sample selection projects, strategic growth interventions, and funding readiness preparation.
To apply, businesses must submit CIPC registration documents, identification copies of all directors, either one year of management accounts or 12 months of bank statements, a valid BBBEE certificate, a current Tax Clearance Certificate, and any relevant regulatory or product certification documents.
The partners state that the initiative builds on previous enterprise development efforts that supported small businesses to strengthen trade capabilities. By concentrating on practical interventions and structured mentorship, the programme seeks to create measurable operational improvements while positioning participating firms for sustainable participation in domestic and regional value chains competitively over the long term.
Further information and application details are available at https://edgeimportal.com/program/SIN32281
