blended finance
Umuzi GreenLAB Collective (backed by UNICEF and the Jobs Fund)
The GreenLAB is a green business funding and growth programme for South African entrepreneurs aged 18–35. It offers free training 24 self paced micro courses ,
Overview
The GreenLAB is a green business funding and growth programme for South African entrepreneurs aged 18–35. It offers free training (24 self-paced micro-courses), hands-on mentorship, design thinking sprints, pitch support, market access, and up to R80,000 in outcomes-based microfinance for qualifying green SMMEs. Additional job creation bonuses available. Programme runs over three years aiming to support 1,450 jobs and R145 million in projected returns.
Eligibility
South African entrepreneurs aged 18–35 building a green business anywhere in South Africa, at any stage (idea, prototype, or operating). Must have intention to create jobs. Women-owned and black-owned green SMMEs are actively prioritised.
Application Guidance
Applications are open now on a rolling basis. Cohort 1 starts 24 August 2026. Apply via the Umuzi GreenLAB page. Programme is structured in 4 blocks: Block 1 (free, open to 3,000 businesses), Block 2 (900 selected), Block 3 (600 verified, live pitch), Block 4 (250 high-growth businesses receive up to R80,000 microfinance). Progress through milestones to unlock each stage and funding.
Ready to Apply?
Track this opportunity to your profile and visit the funder website to begin your application.