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 provide support to KwaZulu-Natal’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The initiative opened for applications on June 30 and will close on July 9. It will support 20 high-potential KwaZulu-Natal-based SMEs with hands-on training, access to markets and export compliance support.

Despite the province’s strategic advantages as a trade hub, many of its SMEs are unable to participate in global markets. Obstacles such as complex export regulations, limited access to funding and a lack of international trade experience continue to stifle SME growth beyond South Africa’s borders, Standard Bank said upon the launch.

The programme is built on the Standard Bank Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) platform, which combines tailored funding, capacity-building and strategic market access. Through this initiative, selected SMEs will receive export compliance and certification training, access to funding tools and trade finance solutions and connections to new markets through Standard Bank’s African presence and Sacci’s trade networks.

“SMEs in KwaZulu-Natal are ambitious and capable, but they need the right ecosystem to grow internationally. This programme delivers that by offering practical tools and strategic partnerships to help businesses start, manage, and grow sustainably beyond borders,” Standard Bank South Africa Business and Commercial Banking enterprise and supplier development head Naledzani Mosomane said.

The Standard Bank ESD programme supports black-owned SMEs to drive inclusive growth and transformation. It is delivering the KwaZulu-Natal Export Readiness Programme in partnership with Sacci, which represents enterprises across all sectors and regions.

Its mandate includes policy advocacy, investment promotion and enterprise development, making it a critical ally in supporting SME competitiveness.

“South Africa’s economic future depends on unlocking the potential of our SMEs. This partnership with Standard Bank is a pipeline to global markets for KwaZulu-Natal businesses that are ready to take the next step,” Sacci CEO Alan Mukoki said.

With two major ports, strong manufacturing and agricultural sectors, and growing intra-Africa trade corridors, KwaZulu-Natal is well-positioned to lead SME-driven export growth.

The Export Readiness Programme aims to leverage this advantage, equipping businesses with the skills, confidence and compliance readiness to succeed globally.