Economic empowerment organisation Nepoworx, in partnership with enterprise and employment development fund the Jobs Fund, invites small, medium-sized and microenterprises (SMMEs) to apply to participate in the GreenAccess Programme.

This programme is an enterprise-development initiative that aims to support 850 startup and established SMMEs to enter South Africa’s growing green economy.

The programme will support qualifying SMMEs across Gauteng, Limpopo and North West, with a specific focus on opportunities in solar PV and green hydrogen.

GreenAccess is designed to help startup SMMEs establish a strong foundation, while enabling established businesses to diversify their services and participate competitively in emerging green-economy value chains.

The programme will provide SMMEs with an industry-relevant qualification, technical exposure to thriving energy businesses and business development support. The programme also provides mentorship from leading energy experts and access to market opportunities, Nepoworx says.

GreenAccess is intended for entrepreneurs and existing businesses with an interest in entering or expanding into the solar PV and green hydrogen sectors.

Specifically, Nepoworx invites startup and established SMMEs based in Gauteng, Limpopo or North West, and entrepreneurs interested in entering the solar PV or green hydrogen sectors, to apply.

Similarly, it invites applications from existing businesses seeking to diversify into green-economy products or services, as well as applicants committed to completing the programme and pursuing opportunities within the green economy.

“The transition to a greener economy must create real and accessible opportunities for township businesses.

“Through GreenAccess, we want to equip startup and established SMMEs with the qualifications, technical exposure, expert mentorship, networks and business support required to enter and thrive in the solar PV and green hydrogen sectors,” says Nepoworx CEO Nonjabulo Sokhela.

GreenAccess supports South Africa’s just energy transition by helping ensure that emerging entrepreneurs and established township enterprises are equipped to participate in new industries, access market opportunities and contribute to inclusive economic growth and employment creation.

The closing date for the first round of applications is September 18.