Johannesburg, 30 October 2024 – This initiative offers small and medium sized businesses, who meet the specified criteria, an opportunity to pitch their businesses to potential funders, facilitating access to critical funding aimed at fostering business growth and market access in the regions.

This roadshow represents a collaboration between the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), various government institutions, funding bodies and economic development organisations to facilitate funding access for SMEs in South Africa and drive growth of the sector which is the backbone of the economy.

Building on the success of last year in the Western Cape, the Capital Matching roadshow will now cover three provinces to include Bloemfontein in the Free State and East London in the Eastern Cape.

“Access to funding remains a key barrier for SMEs across the country who must navigate a broad spectrum of challenges that hinder their ability to get financing. The JSE SME Rise Capital Matching Roadshow exemplifies the JSE’s continued commitment to nurturing a uniquely South African business ecosystem,” said Cleola Kunene, Head: SME Development at the JSE. “We are thrilled to be collaborating with the Small Business Development Agency (SEDA), Small Business Finance Agency (SEFA) and Western Cape Government, Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) to connect high-growth SMEs with potential funders, fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

During these events, companies that meet the criteria and have successfully completed the initial Funding Readiness Programme will have the opportunity to engage directly with prospective funders. Participating capital providers will offer a range of ‘Capital Matching’ solutions, such as debt financing, invoice and purchase order financing, equity options for angel and venture capital investors, enterprise supply development and grant funding.

These Capital Matching Days serve as pitch days, offering direct access to key decision-makers in funding. Matches are carefully made based on the specific funding needs of the SMEs and the strategic mandates of the funders.

Key Dates:

• 6 November 2024: Capital Matching Event (Eastern Cape)
  The final event of this roadshow will be held in Port Elizabeth, targeting SMEs in the Eastern Cape. The Eastern Cape has around 40,000 SMEs, but many face barriers to funding, with studies showing thatnearly 70% of SMEs do not apply for credit due to perceived high rejection rates and a lack of information on how to access financial support.
• 21 November 2024: JSE SME Rise Regional Capital Matching Event (Free State)
  This event will take place in Bloemfontein, where local SMEs will have the chance to engage with potential funders. The Free State is home to approximately 27,000 SMEs, yet many face significant challenges in accessing funding. Reports indicate that over 70% of SMEs in the province struggle to secure financing due to high-interest rates, lack of collateral and limited knowledge about available funding options.
• 26 November 2024: JSE SME Rise Regional Capital Matching Event (Western Cape)
  Following the successful launch in the Western Cape last year, this event will return to Cape Town. In 2023, the JSE's Capital Matching Initiative successfully achieved a 62% match rate among 90 participating SMEs and financing partners. This initiative significantly contributed to addressing the funding gap for SMEs in the province, demonstrating effective collaboration between government and private sectors to foster SME growth.

“SMEs are pivotal to South Africa’s economy, and we are honored to expand this initiative and create positive and meaningful impact in the sector,” concluded Kunene.

ENDS

ABOUT THE JSE

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