The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), in partnership with the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), is hosting a high-impact Inyamazane Fund Consultation and MSME Activation & Market Day on Friday, 9 January 2026, from 08:00 to 14:00 at the Ben Marais Hall, Rustenburg, North West Province. Led by Minister Ms Stella Tembisa Ndabeni, the event brings together entrepreneurs, small business owners, veterans, and enterprise support organisations for a day of engagement, market access, and strategic dialogue on funding and business growth.
This flagship event offers a dynamic platform for MSMEs to connect with government, access support services, showcase products, and contribute to the redesign of a critical national funding instrument.
Engage Directly on the Inyamazane Fund Redesign
A central focus of the day is the public consultation on the Inyamazane Fund, previously known as the Military Veterans Fund. The Minister and DSBD officials will gather input from entrepreneurs on how to restructure the fund to better serve:
- Military veterans launching or growing businesses
- Women- and youth-owned enterprises
- Township and rural-based SMMEs
- Black-owned businesses seeking scalable capital
Attendees will have the opportunity to share challenges, propose solutions, and help shape a more responsive, accessible, and impactful fund.
Access Practical Business Support and Market Opportunities
Beyond policy dialogue, the event delivers hands-on value through dedicated service zones:
- Funding Advisory: Meet DSBD and SEDA representatives for one-on-one guidance on grants, loans, and finance options
- Market Access Hub: Connect with buyers from retail, agro-processing, tourism, and public procurement
- Business Clinics: Receive free advice on registration, compliance, digital tools, and export readiness
- Product Showcase: Display your goods or services to a broad audience of consumers, retailers, and fellow entrepreneurs
- Veteran Business Corner: Tailored support for former service members pursuing entrepreneurship
Who Should Attend?
The event welcomes:
- Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from all sectors
- Start-ups and informal traders seeking formalisation and growth
- Women, youth, and military veteran entrepreneurs
- Cooperatives and community-based enterprises
- Business support organisations and industry associations
No registration is required—attendees are encouraged to arrive early to maximise networking and engagement opportunities.
Event Logistics and Venue Details
- Date: Friday, 9 January 2026
- Time: 08:00 – 14:00
- Venue: Ben Marais Hall, Rustenburg, North West
- Admission: Free and open to all entrepreneurs
- Facilities: Onsite parking and light refreshments provided
Related opportunity: Apply Now: SMME Capacity Building & Tech Incubation Support
Contact and Further Information
For programme details or group coordination:
- Contact: Siphe Macanda, DSBD
- Email: SMacanda@dsbd.gov.za
- Phone: 082 355 2399
Stay updated via official channels:
- Website: www.dsbd.gov.za
- Social Media: @DSBD_SA
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