eThekwini Municipality is showing its support for SMMEs through their Economic Development programmes and Planning Unit (EDP&PU). The eThekwini Furniture Cluster (EFC) SME Accelerator Programme is just another example of it. Now it’s furniture manufacturers’ time to shine.
The eThekwini Furniture Cluster (EFC) SME Accelerator Programme creates meaningful opportunities for Black-owned furniture and homeware businesses in South Africa. SMEs operating in this space can now apply for the third instalment of this popular accelerator.
The 2025 accelerator is currently open, and SMEs who operate in the home, lifestyle and furniture sector have the opportunity to pitch to four major names in furniture retail. These roleplayers are Mr Price Home, Homewood, Pepkor Lifestyle, and Poetry of Living.
All of them are actively searching for new local suppliers who show immense potential for growth. Think long-term partnerships that support their local sourcing commitments and drive real transformation in the furniture industry. Retailers aim to provide furniture manufacturers with market access, benchmarking of standards, and capital investment interventions.
A Powerful Track Record for Furniture Manufacturers
Since its inception in 2021, the EFC SME Accelerator has already delivered impressive results. Some highlights include:
- Fourteen high-potential SMEs pitched to major retailers and gained exposure to big buyers.
- Fifteen commercial opportunities were unlocked for participating firms.
- One SME secured expansion funding through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
- Multiple businesses received extensive support, diagnostic assessments and coaching from industry experts.
Who Can Apply?
If you are a South African SME that is Black-owned and operating in the house and furniture manufacturing industry, you should consider entering. Products that the major retailers have their eye on include:
- Bedding and soft furnishings
- Outdoor and patio furniture
- Crockery, vessels, vases and planters
- Butler trays, decorative plates and door handles
- Lighting, mirrors and frames
- Timber and carved wooden items
- Upholstery, beanbags and teak or oak furniture
- Printing of bespoke artworks or designs
The Process for Furniture Manufacturers and Related SMEs
The first step is to complete the application form, which only takes ten minutes to complete. Keep your B-BBEE certificate, tax certificate, and relevant compliance certificates close by, because you will need them.
Next, your financial and compliance information will be validated. Shortlisted SMEs will be contacted regarding the next steps.
Successful applicants can look forward to workshops that focus on capacity building and developing a compelling pitch. After this, there will be an opportunity for an in-person pitching competition, similar to Shark Tank or Dragon’s Den.
Apply to the Accelerator Programme via the Furniture Cluster’s form. Hurry up, because applications close on 2 June 2025.
Accelerators such as these are useful to help small businesses or entrepreneurs who are struggling to break into a market to reach their goals. When these programmes are backed by big names in the industry, such as the retailers supporting the SME programme, it not only legitimises the accelerators but also helps South African SMEs make an impact in the country.
SMEs can stay up to date with accelerator programmes across industries by staying up to date with popular role players who champion these programmes, just like the eThekwini Furniture Cluster.
