A professional business address can open doors to contracts, certifications and credibility that a home-based operation simply can’t reach. That’s the core value proposition behind Riversands Incubation Hub, one of the country’s larger business incubators.
What is Riversands Incubation Hub?
Riversands Incubation Hub (Riversands I-Hub) is a large-scale business incubator established in 2015 through an infrastructure investment partnership between Century Property Developments and National Treasury’s Jobs Fund. It’s based on a large campus north of Fourways, Johannesburg, and is home to well over 150 small businesses on-site, alongside many more supported through its off-site programmes.
Who does it target?
Riversands looks for high-potential businesses with viable business models and genuine growth potential, giving preference to entrepreneurs likely to create economic opportunity in the surrounding area. Units suit light manufacturing, storage, distribution or office use, not retail or heavy manufacturing.
What do members get?
- A professional business address, with units ranging from small furnished suites to mini-factory and full factory spaces.
- A working community of entrepreneurs, networking sessions, guest lectures and mentor access.
- Growth and Learning workshops covering practical business management skills.
- Support services such as financial compliance and accounting assistance.
A professional address at Riversands has helped past members secure accreditations, such as HACCP certification for food production or SANAS accreditation for a calibrations laboratory, that would be difficult to obtain from a home address.
What does it cost?
Entrepreneurs pay subsidised rental with flexible lease terms, plus pre-paid electricity and individually metered water. Corporate sponsorship covers the bulk of the broader support services, keeping direct costs to members relatively low. Confirm current unit pricing directly with the hub, since it varies by unit size and type.
How do I apply?
Apply via riversandsihub.co.za, which runs a structured application process to assess business viability and fit.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of business is Riversands Incubation Hub best suited to?
Businesses needing light manufacturing, storage, distribution or office premises, with a viable model and real growth potential. It’s not suited to retail outlets or heavy manufacturing.
How much does it cost to join?
Rental is subsidised with flexible lease terms, and utilities are separately metered. Confirm current unit pricing directly with the hub for your specific space needs.
Does Riversands offer mentorship as well as premises?
Yes. Alongside premises, members get access to networking sessions, guest lectures, mentors and workshops covering marketing, operations, leadership and strategy.
Is Riversands only for very early-stage startups?
No, though it particularly benefits early-stage businesses looking to reach their next stage of growth using a proper premises and support structure.
Turning a professional address into real growth
For an SME that has outgrown a home-based setup, Riversands offers a structured, subsidised path to a professional base and a genuine support community. Confirm current unit availability and pricing directly before applying.
Originally published in January 2020. Updated September 2026 to confirm Riversands Incubation Hub is still operating at scale on its Fourways campus. Unit pricing and availability change, so confirm current terms directly with the hub.
