"It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it."
- Nelson Mandela
Committed to Growth and Development of Small Black Owned Businesses
We recognise the pivotal role of small, medium and micro-sized enterprise (SMME) to the development of the South African economy. It is through entrepreneurs that we stimulate economic growth, transformation and improve the lives of communities.
Unilever’s Enterprise and Supplier Development Fund exists to provide black owned businesses an avenue to channel their vision, transform the business landscape and in so doing create much-needed jobs in our country.
Through the opportunities and support provided, entrepreneurs are able to gain business and technical support, access to funding and access to our procurement channels, thereby assisting us to transform our supply chain.
Developing small, medium and micro-sized enterprises enables Unilever to diversify our supplier base, broaden economic participation and deliver on the country’s economic development objectives.
Fund Objectives
Through the provision of interest free loans and business support, we aim to
- enable and develop black owned businesses
- improve local procurement
- create jobs
- empower communities
- create access to markets
Application Criteria
The following criteria apply for accessing the Unilever Enterprise and Supplier Development Fund:
- Company registration documents
- Compliance with South African legislation and regulations
- > 51% black South African ownership
- Qualifying Exempted Micro Enterprises (EME’s) and Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSE’s)
- EME –enterprise with an annual total revenue of R10 million or less
- QSE –enterprise with an annual total revenue of between R10 million and R50 million
- Current or potential supplier to Unilever
- Business overview, plan and requirements for development