Shell Opens 2026 LiveWire Applications to Help South African SMEs
Shell Opens 2026 LiveWire Applications to Help South African SMEs. Shell Downstream South Africa (SDSA) has opened applications for the 2026 intake of its Shell LiveWire Enterprise Development Programme, offering South African entrepreneurs support aimed at strengthening businesses and preparing them for growth.
The programme caters for businesses at different stages of development, with support structured according to annual revenue.
Businesses generating between R0 and R1 million a year will receive assistance focused on establishing stronger foundations. This includes support with business setup and compliance, a personalised growth roadmap and one-on-one coaching from experienced entrepreneurs and Business Growth Experts.
For established SMEs with annual revenue between R1 million and R50 million, the programme provides more advanced business development support.
This includes assessments of business systems and financials, strategy sessions aligned with the business’s stage of growth, market access and deal-closing support, as well as assistance with funding readiness.
The programme is powered by Grow Impact’s Growth Formula and supported by more than 30 strategic partners. Shell said participant progress will be tracked quarterly to measure the impact of the programme and the support provided.
Sebastian Preston, SDSA transformation manager, said the programme recognises that entrepreneurs require more than access to finance to build sustainable businesses.
“Real transformation is about more than funding; it’s about giving entrepreneurs the right support, structure, plus access to markets to build sustainable businesses,” said Preston.
The programme combines business development support, coaching and market access. For newer businesses, the focus is on establishing structures needed to operate and grow, while established SMEs can use the support to assess their systems and financial management and prepare for potential investment.
Applications are open to South African entrepreneurs who meet the relevant revenue requirements.
The 2026 programme provides entrepreneurs with access to tailored support based on their business stage, with the emphasis placed on practical development and stronger growth strategies.
Applications for the Shell LiveWire Enterprise Development Programme close on 9 September 2026, giving eligible South African entrepreneurs until then to submit their applications.
