from DION HENRICK in Cape Town
Western Cape Bureau
CAPE TOWN, (CAJ News) – OUTSOURCED CFO (OCFO), a global financial advisory firm, has opened applications for the Green Economy Accelerator programme to help high-potential South African small and medium enterprises (SMEs) become funding- and market-ready.
The offering is delivered through its Founders Foundation non-profit company (NPC) initiative, in partnership with the Jobs Fund and E Squared.
The programme is designed to help high-potential South African SMEs overcome funding and market-readiness barriers that often prevent businesses from scaling sustainably.
The accelerator focuses on businesses operating within the green economy and aims to equip entrepreneurs with the financial structures, growth strategies, and investor readiness required to access capital and expand operations.
Atupele Phiri, Founders Foundation Programmes Coordinator for OCFO, noted that many SMEs have strong products and real market demand but struggle to secure funding because they are not fully investment-ready.
“Investors are looking for more than a good idea. They want to see financial clarity, operational readiness, and a clear growth strategy. This programme is designed to help businesses build those foundations so they can scale with confidence,” the executive said.
The programme forms part of a broader effort to strengthen South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Participating SMEs will receive tailored support based on their immediate business needs and growth trajectory.
The Finance Readiness Route is focused on helping businesses prepare for fundraising and investor engagement.
The Market Readiness Route is aimed at businesses looking to strengthen commercial growth and market positioning.
The programme builds on the success of previous accelerator cohorts supported by the partners. To date, participating businesses have secured more than R1 billion (US$60.3 million) in funding, while participants achieved an average monthly revenue growth rate of 28 percent following programme completion.
“This is not simply about funding. It is about helping entrepreneurs build scalable, sustainable businesses that are ready for growth, investment and long-term impact,” Phiri said.
Applications are open until May 30.
With offices in Cape Town, London and New York, Outsourced CFO supports more than 1,400 organisations in 34 countries and across more than 25 industries.
– CAJ News