THE SBI BPL SME INDABA – AN EVENT THAT EMPOWERED AND INSPIRED!
The SBI BPL SME Indaba “Finance as a growth enabler” were held on 26 August 2025 at Bryanston Country Club. It was nothing short of a powerhouse day for South Africa’s small business segment. Co-hosted by the Small Business Institute (SBI) and Business Partners, it was a straight-talking, no-fluff rally for SME growth through smart financing.
This event didn’t just talk about the challenges, it smashed the stigma around SME funding and put practical solutions and real hope on the table for business owners hungry to grow.
From the jump, SBI’s CEO John Dludlu set the tone, the day was about empowerment, accountability, and opening doors, not empty promises. Dr Lumkile Mondi’s economic outlook cut through the noise of the rocky global landscape, underscoring just how critical SME finance is for real job creation and economic sustainability. Dr Mondi inspired the audience to put South Africa First! The keynote by Jeremy Lang of Business Partners crystalised the vision: funding is not a burden, it’s the lifeblood of growth, and it must come with non-financial support to build resilient entrepreneurs.
The panel session, powerfully facilitated by Mr David Morobe, brought heavy hitters from African Bank, the National Empowerment Fund, Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency, and the Vumela Fund. They laid all cards on the table, identifying real opportunities, tough realities, and what it takes to be genuinely funding ready. This was not about theory; it was about action. The session lit a fire under attendees, many of whom are living the SME grind daily, showing them a clear path through funding hurdles.
Sibusisiwe Zethu Buthelezi’s entrepreneurial journey was the perfect mic drop. From the trenches to funding readiness, her story was a blueprint and bold inspiration. The programme concluded on a high note with Sheldon Tatchell, the 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year, rounding off the conversation into the unknown and what it takes to build on dreams and passion. Leaving Entrepreneurs and Small Business owners inspired, with new hope to run their businesses in resilience!
SBI’s agenda is clear: no beating around the bush. Small businesses need serious support – not lip service. SBI pushes policy makers and market leaders to “think small first,” championing reforms and initiatives that create real, accessible opportunities for SMEs to thrive. This Indaba was a prime example of how SBI gets in the trenches with entrepreneurs, funders, and policymakers to break barriers, ignite growth, and fuel transformation in South Africa’s economy.
The feedback from the passionate attendees, mostly SME owners, was electrifying. They left buzzing with optimism, equipped with new tools and networks to take their businesses to the next level. SBI delivered on its promise: this was an unapologetic, solution-driven platform to turn SME finance from a stumbling block into a growth rocket.
Against the backdrop of a challenging economic environment and recent reports highlighting the stifling of SME potential without proper support, this event could not have come at a better time. Unlocking SME growth is the gateway to accelerated job creation and economic inclusion in South Africa. The SME Finance Indaba proved that with the right mix of political will, financial innovation, and entrepreneurial grit, South Africa’s small business segment is poised for a breakthrough.
If this Indaba taught us anything, it is that role players in the SME Ecosystem will not rest until SME voices are not just heard, but prioritised. We will keep pushing the hard conversations, championing fearless advocacy, and delivering tangible impact. For small businesses and the broader economy, that is invaluable.
The SBI BPL SME Indaba on 26 August 2025 was a resounding declaration: We’re serious about enabling small business.
