The Sandiso Enterprise Development Programme is a proudly Free State–based initiative dedicated to strengthening, uplifting, and accelerating small businesses. Established in 2024 and funded by the Makwande Empowerment Trust, the programme was created to close the gap between potential and sustainable success for emerging entrepreneurs.
In its short but impactful journey, Sandiso has already supported more than 80 small businesses, helping them become compliant, competitive, and ready to scale. By combining mentorship, strategic support, and capacity-building interventions, the programme ensures that entrepreneurs receive the guidance and resources they need to thrive in an ever-changing economic landscape.
Sandiso has already supported more than 80 small businesses, helping them become compliant, competitive, and ready to scale.
Take a look at some of our training sessions
Our small business owners during their training and mentoring sessions.
Our Mission
The Sandiso Enterprise Development Programme empowers emerging entrepreneurs through mentorship, strategic support, and targeted capacity-building initiatives. With the support of the Makwande Empowerment Trust, we are committed to unlocking the potential of small businesses by fostering sustainable growth, enhancing operational excellence, and creating long-lasting impact.
Our Vision
To cultivate a thriving ecosystem of resilient, innovative, and scalable small businesses that uplift communities and drive inclusive economic growth across the Free State and beyond.
Our Core Objectives
We are driven by three key pillars that shape every intervention and support activity:
Full Compliance
Helping businesses meet essential regulatory, financial, and governance requirements so they operate with confidence and credibility.
Increased Access to Market
Opening doors to new customers, partners, and sectors through market-linkage opportunities, networking, and strategic exposure.
Financial Growth
Supporting financial management, profitability planning, and long-term sustainability to ensure businesses can scale responsibly.
Our Values
Everything we do is rooted in the values that define who we are and how we serve:
Empowerment through Training and Mentorship
We believe that entrepreneurs grow faster and stronger with the right guidance.
Community-Centred Growth
We work to uplift both businesses and the communities they support.
Integrity and Accountability
Transparent, ethical, and responsible leadership drives our work.
Innovation and Adaptability
We encourage forward-thinking solutions that help businesses stay competitive.
Inclusivity and Opportunity
We champion diverse entrepreneurs and create opportunities for all to succeed.