The I Grew It show with absa

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The I Grew It Show with Absa

Is a bold six-part content series spotlighting South African entrepreneurs who are building businesses with impact. Featuring real clients of Absa’s entrepreneurship programmes, the show brings their journeys to life – from early challenges to breakthrough moments – giving them a platform to share their “I grew it” stories.

Hosted by Alphi Sipho Mkhwanazi and streetwise storyteller Bheki Ndamase, the show blends in-studio conversations with on-the-ground hustle and community insights. It’s a celebration of authentic entrepreneurship – and how Absa empowers individuals to start today, succeed tomorrow, and proudly say, I grew it.

 

Your Entrepreneurial Journey, Backed by Absa

Success isn’t instant – it’s a journey. From the first spark of an idea to building something lasting, Absa walks alongside entrepreneurs every step of the way. Our support spans mindset-shifting programmes, funding, mentorship, tools, and opportunities to grow both the person and the business.

Start Watching. Get Inspired. Grow Your Story.

Ready to see what’s possible when hustle meets purpose?
Watch The I Grew It Show to discover how real entrepreneurs across South Africa are building, growing, and thriving — with a partner that believes in their story.

Watch now

Spark the Mindset: Inspiration & Awareness

We ignite entrepreneurial thinking early – encouraging boldness, creativity, and a mindset that spots opportunity everywhere.

Our support includes:

  • Junior Achievement South Africa (JASA)
  • Allan Gray Makers Launchpad
  • Entrepreneurship training in schools and TVET colleges
  • Absa Chair of Entrepreneurship (GIBS)

To learn more please click here

Build Financial Literacy

A strong entrepreneurial mindset starts with strong financial foundations. Our integrated financial literacy programmes equip young people with the knowledge and tools to make confident decisions – in life and in business.

Our support includes:

  • Financial literacy workshops and digital learning
  • Access to the Absa Digital Hub
  • Certification through the University of Pretoria

To learn more please click here

Watch our Business Banking Webinars
We’ve partnered with industry experts to deliver practical, entrepreneur-focused financial education through engaging webinars.
These sessions cover key topics like business budgeting, pricing for profit, cash flow management, and accessing funding — all tailored for growing businesses.

Get expert insights, tools, and confidence to grow your hustle.

Watch the webinars below

Strategic Visioning and Long-term Planning with Mponeng Seshea

Step into the future with Mponeng Seshea, Co-Founder and MD of Imizizi Evolution, and benefit from her visionary guidance. Discover the power of strategic visioning and long-term planning to propel your business forward.

Fundamentals of Financial Management with Keitumetse Lekaba

Learn the essentials of financial management and take control of your business’s financial destiny with Keitumetse Lekaba.

 

Linking Strategy to Financial Goals with Esther Ndeti

Bridge the gap between strategy and financial success with Esther Ndeti, Investment Principal at Unconventional Capital. Align your business goals with her top tips on financial planning.

Marketing and Exploring New Markets with Elona Ndlovu

Break new ground with Elona Ndlovu, VP for Small Businesses at the African Entrepreneurs Council, and her marketing expertise. Explore innovative strategies to tap into new markets and expand your business’s reach.

Shape the Intent: Exposure & Skill Building

Once the spark is lit, we help entrepreneurs build intent — turning inspiration into readiness through hands-on exposure, practical learning, and peer communities.

Our support includes:

  • Young African Entrepreneurs Institute (YAEI)
  • Makers Start-up Academy
  • Youth Entrepreneurship Week

To learn more please click here

Take Action: Starting Up & Early Growth

Enterprise Development
Enterprise Development’s objective is to develop small, medium enterprisesthat are 51% + black owned, registered and operational with have a turnover below R50 million per annum.

Our programmes focus on economic and sustainability growth by providing emerging small and medium enterprises with solutions with the focus on three crucial pillars: Access Non-Financial Support, Access to Markets and Access to Funding

Our support includes

  • Access to Non-Financial Support - bespoke training, expect coaching & mentorship, funding readiness programs, business tools & solutions, business development support (marketing collateral, financial compliance and reports etc.)
  • Access to Funding (excl normal traditional funding e.g loans)- Pre-Lending support, funding readiness assistance, lending capital) and Post Lending Management ,Alternative Lending options via Khula and Africa Guarantee Fund(AGF)
  • Access to Markets - networking platforms, strategic partnerships, agile business events, market place platforms and Absa marketplace.
Scale & Sustain: Market Access & Expansion

As entrepreneurs grow, we help them access new markets, partnerships, and procurement opportunities — scaling sustainably with the right support.

Our support includes:

Access to Markets - delivered through networking platforms, agile business events and through strategic partnerships that allow emerging business owners to supplier and buyer match up sessions

  • Exhibition opportunities for SMEs on a databases to exhibit and meet with procurement officers through strategic partnerships like  Smart Procurement World, Proudly South African and NAAMSA etc,
  • Profiling of businesses on various channels i.e. newspapers, radio stations etc
  • Enterprise Development Programmes with an aim of converting qualifying SMEs to be suppliers
  • Enterprise mentoring and leadership training

To learn more please click here

Business Banking Solutions for Entrepreneurs

Absa offers a suite of business banking solutions tailored to support entrepreneurs at every stage:

Transactional accounts: flexible accounts with simple and transparent pricing that grow with your business, including options like Business Evolve Lite and PAYT.
Emerging Entrepreneur Programme: Designed for youth-owned businesses, offering benefits like zero monthly fees for six months, dedicated banking support, and access to funding up to R5 million.
She Thrives for Women in Business: Tailored solutions for women entrepreneurs, including discounted insurance, networking opportunities, and financial education resources.
Payment Solutions: Simple to use point of sale devices (include Mobile Pay) and eCommerce solutions and analytics efficient tools to manage your business transactions.
Business Funding: Access to flexible financing options such as overdrafts, term loans, and asset finance to support your business growth.
Business Insurance: Comprehensive coverage options to protect your business assets and operations.

To learn more please click here