Artisans in the construction sector between the ages of 18 and 49 now have an opportunity to scale their businesses and access potential funding through the newly launched Grow Programme by the Artisan Venture Hub.
Applications for the programme opened on 02 March 2026 and will close on 31 March 2026. Interested artisans can apply using the following link:[https://agmakers.acceleratorapp.co/apply/program/artisan-venture-hub-grow-programme](https://agmakers.acceleratorapp.co/apply/program/artisan-venture-hub-grow-programme).
The Grow Programme is a 10-month business development initiative that will run from mid-April 2026 to February 2027.
Delivered in partnership with the FEM Education Foundation, the initiative is designed to strengthen and scale artisan-owned businesses operating in the construction sector.
The programme targets owner-managed enterprises that have been operating for at least two years and employ a minimum of two full-time staff members.
Eligible businesses must operate in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga or Limpopo and have an annual turnover between R600,000 and R5,000,000.
To qualify, businesses must be formally registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), have valid tax clearance and operate an active business bank account. While not mandatory, liability insurance, COIDA registration and an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) file will be considered advantageous during the selection process.
“The Grow Programme recognises that many artisan entrepreneurs have built viable businesses but require structured support to refine systems, improve operational efficiency and strengthen long-term profitability,” says Seth Mulli, Programme Director at Allan Gray Makers.
The Artisan Venture Hub is an initiative of the philanthropic entity Allan Gray Makers. Each participating business will undergo a comprehensive business assessment to evaluate current performance, operational processes and growth constraints.
This diagnostic process will inform the development of a personalised business development plan tailored to each enterprise’s specific needs.
“Through this structured support, participants will receive guidance to improve business operations and management practices, strengthen financial performance and position their enterprises for sustainable expansion and job creation,” states Mulli.
Participants will also gain access to market opportunities and the Imara Artisan SMME Fund, enabling qualifying businesses to explore funding solutions aligned with their growth trajectory.
Artisans in the construction sector include bricklayers, plumbers, electricians and carpenters.
Who Should Apply?
The 2026 intake is specifically targeted at: Qualified artisans with trade test Artisan entrepreneurs running construction-related trade businesses Owner-managed businesses operating for at least two years Enterprises employing at least two full-time staff members* Businesses generating annual turnover between R600,000 and R5 million
Artisan entrepreneurs based in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, or Limpopo
Application DetailsApplications for the 2026 Grow Programme are open from 2 March to 31 March 2026.
The programme will commence in mid-April 2026 and conclude in February 2027.
Interested and eligible businesses can apply via the application link above.
About Artisan Venture Hub:Artisan Venture Hub is dedicated to supporting artisan entrepreneurs within the construction sector by providing structured business development support, access to markets and growth-focused interventions that strengthen enterprise sustainability and enable job creation.
Photographs: Supplied
