Electrical contractors between the ages of 18 and 49 can level up their businesses and gain access to funding through the Artisan Venture Hub’s newly launched Grow Programme.
Applications for this programme open on 2 March and close on 31 March. Interested artisans can apply via this link: https://agmakers.acceleratorapp.co/apply/program/artisan-venture-hub-grow-programme
The Artisan Venture Hub’s Grow Programme is a 10-month business development scheme running from mid-April 2026 to February 2027. Delivered in partnership with the FEM Education Foundation, it aims to strengthen and grow businesses owned by electrical contractors.
The programme targets owner-managed electrical contracting businesses that have been operating for a minimum of two years and employ at least two full-time staff members.
Eligible businesses must operate in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, or Limpopo and have an annual turnover between R600,000 and R5,000,000.
To qualify, businesses must be officially registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), possess a valid tax clearance, and maintain an active business bank account. Although not mandatory, liability insurance, COIDA registration, and an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) file will be viewed favourably during the selection process.
“The Grow Programme recognises that many artisan entrepreneurs have built viable businesses but need structured support to refine systems, enhance operational efficiency, and boost long-term profitability,” says Seth Mulli, Programme Director at Allan Grey Makers. The Artisan Venture Hub is an initiative of the philanthropic entity, Allan Grey Makers.
Each participating business will undertake a comprehensive business assessment to evaluate current performance, operational processes, and growth challenges. This evaluation will assist in creating a personalised business development plan tailored to each enterprise’s specific needs.
Through this structured support, participants will receive guidance to enhance business operations and management practices, improve financial performance, and position their enterprises for sustainable growth and job creation,” states Mulli.
Participants will also gain access to market opportunities and the Imara Artisan SMME Fund, enabling qualifying businesses to explore funding options that support their growth strategies.
Who Should Apply
The 2026 intake is specifically targeted at:
- Qualified artisans with a trade test
- Artisan entrepreneurs running construction-related trade businesses
- Owner-managed businesses operating for at least two years
- Enterprises employing at least two full-time staff members
- Businesses generating annual turnover between R600,000 and R5 million.
- Artisan entrepreneurs based in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, or Limpopo
Application Details
Applications for the 2026 Grow Programme are open from 2 March to 31 March 2026. The programme will commence in mid-April 2026 and conclude in February 2027.
Interested and eligible businesses can apply via this link: https://agmakers.acceleratorapp.co/apply/program/artisan-venture-hub-grow-programme
