Investment-readiness programme Fetola Fire, which is supported by investment and commercial financial services firm JPMorgan Chase, will provide 60 entrepreneurs with investment-readiness training, financial management skills and access to expert mentorship.

The programme empowers them to build financially stable businesses that create jobs and contribute to economic recovery.

Fetola Fire is looking for black-owned microenterprises and small businesses in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and retail that are ready to grow and scale.

Applications for the programme close on May 21.

The programme provides practical knowledge to help entrepreneurs build financial stability, improve cash flow, and prepare for investment opportunities. It enables business owners to build the skills and resources to access the growth finance they need to strengthen their business, Fetola Fire says.

“Many business owners struggle to secure funding because they don’t have accurate financial records or compliance in place. This programme helps them build confidence, learn the skills and implement the actions needed to attract investors,” Fetola Fire programme manager Isabel du Toit points out.

Fetola Fire is a structured initiative designed to help businesses move from financial uncertainty to accessing finance.

This programme equips businesses with the financial tools they need to access growth opportunities, expand their business, employ more people and contribute to the country’s economic recovery.

This ensures they have a better chance of securing capital and scaling successfully, closing the gap between the expectations of the investors and the micro and small business' offering, she adds.

The programme has three key phases, including personal financial resilience that helps entrepreneurs strengthen their personal financial habits to support their business decision-making.

It then moves to financial readiness, such as ensuring businesses have accurate financial records and equipping entrepreneurs with the skills to manage cash flow, pricing and financial reporting effectively.

The final phase is investment readiness which teaches through expert-led coaching, mentorship and investment pitch training to help prepare businesses to secure funding.