Business coaching company Grow Business Coaching has launched a R1.2-million initiative aimed at accelerating the growth of black-owned businesses by providing 12 qualifying entrepreneurs with free 12-month access to its Catalyzer business growth software and leadership development platform.

The company says the initiative will equip successful applicants with comprehensive tools and training that have helped hundreds of South African CEOs build profitable, sustainable businesses.

Applications for the programme closed on December 12.

“Grow is committed to supporting South Africa’s economic transformation in line with broad-based black economic empowerment (BBEE) legislation.

“This initiative reflects our dedication to developing entrepreneurs and contributing to inclusive economic growth. We recognise that access to proven business frameworks can accelerate success, and we want to make that accessible to qualifying black business leaders,” says CEO Andrew Aitken.

The programme targets established businesses with ten to 50 full-time employees, led by entrepreneurs ready to implement structured strategy and build high-performing leadership teams.

Grow explains that the Catalyzer platform provides a comprehensive framework for strategic planning and execution, addressing common challenges faced by growing businesses such as unclear strategy, misaligned teams and isolated leadership.

The company notes that it has supported hundreds of South African businesses across diverse sectors since its establishment 16 years ago.

The company launched Catalyzer five years ago, a software platform designed to provide structure and rigour to the process of leading and building a business.

The selected entrepreneurs will receive access through Catalyzer to Grow’s cloud-based Strategy Map, which distils complex business planning into a single-page framework.

The platform includes tools for creating actionable quarterly game plans using objectives and key results, accountability systems for leadership teams and a comprehensive library of 59 self-paced, online video courses covering strategic planning, financial management, building a leadership team and enhancing employee performance.

Grow explains that each component is designed to work together, helping business owners move from isolated decision-making to collaborative execution with their leadership teams.

 “We have spent five years refining Catalyzer with input from hundreds of CEOs who have used it to achieve clarity and confidence in leading their businesses. This is not a trial or a limited version.

“These 12 entrepreneurs will receive full access to everything our clients use, because we believe in the potential of South African black-owned businesses to drive meaningful economic impact,” says Grow founder and client results head Graham Mitchell.

The company explains that the selection process prioritises business owners who demonstrate readiness to implement structured strategy, align their leadership teams around execution and commit to continuous learning.

Grow says it seeks entrepreneurs who have moved beyond the start-up phase but recognise they need proven frameworks to reach their growth potential.