Few South African enterprise development companies have a longer track record than Fetola. Founded in Cape Town in 2006 by entrepreneur Catherine Wijnberg, it now runs some of the country’s most established growth programmes for small businesses.
What is Fetola?
Fetola Business Growth Professionals designs and delivers enterprise and supplier development programmes on behalf of corporate and foundation partners. Its long-running SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme and its earlier Old Mutual-backed Legends initiative helped build its reputation, and it continues to add new partnerships.
What programmes does Fetola run in 2026?
Fetola’s current programme mix includes the SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme, an 18-month growth programme for entrepreneurs running commercially proven businesses with room to scale, and Booking.com’s 2026 Hospitality Growth Programme, delivered in partnership with Fetola for historically disadvantaged hospitality entrepreneurs in Gauteng, the Greater Kruger region and the KwaZulu-Natal South coast. Fetola also continues to deliver bespoke enterprise and supplier development programmes for corporate clients.
Who qualifies?
Requirements vary by programme, but Fetola generally targets businesses that have been operational for at least six months and no older than five years, across sectors from mining and manufacturing to agriculture, tourism and education. Entrepreneurs are expected to show genuine commitment to growing their business and creating jobs.
What do participants get?
- A dedicated mentor for the duration of the programme.
- Workshops covering human resources, sales and marketing, costing and pricing, and strategic planning.
- Media support, including coverage and assistance with digital presence.
- Access to a peer network of other participating entrepreneurs.
Fetola reports a survival rate above 85% for enterprises it has supported over the past decade, alongside strong annual growth in participant turnover and job creation.
What does it cost?
Most programmes ask entrepreneurs for a small commitment fee before attending workshops, with travel and accommodation typically covered by the programme itself. Confirm the exact fee structure for whichever specific programme you’re applying to, since it varies by partner and intake.
How do I apply?
Check Fetola’s website for the current open programme, or call 021 761 5255 or email [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
Does Fetola only work with established businesses, or startups too?
Most Fetola programmes target businesses that already have some trading history, typically six months to five years, rather than pre-revenue startups.
Is there a cost to join a Fetola programme?
Most programmes ask for a small commitment fee before workshops begin, with travel and accommodation usually covered separately. Confirm the exact cost with Fetola for your specific programme.
Which Fetola programmes are currently open?
This changes regularly. Check Fetola’s own website or contact the team directly for the current intake.
What sectors does Fetola support?
Its programmes have spanned mining, manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and hospitality, and education, among others, depending on the specific corporate or foundation partner behind each programme.
Getting the most from a growth programme
For an established SME owner looking for structured mentorship and a credible growth track record behind the programme, Fetola remains one of South Africa’s longest-running options. Confirm which of its current programmes fits your business stage before applying.
Originally published in January 2020. Updated September 2026 to reflect Fetola’s current 2026 programme partnerships, including the Booking.com Hospitality Growth Programme. Confirm which specific programme is open for applications directly with Fetola.
