Nedbank is backing 20 South African fashion and textile businesses through a new 12-month accelerator aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises overcome funding, market access and operational barriers that limit their growth.
The Nedbank Fashion Accelerator, launched as part of the bank’s Green Economy Social Impact Strategy, will support established businesses in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape with the goal of preparing them to compete for larger local and international commercial opportunities.
Delivered in partnership with enterprise development organisation Fetola, the programme will provide support in areas including financial literacy, operational management, market access and business development.
The initiative is aimed at apparel manufacturers, fashion designers, boutique brands and businesses producing accessories, footwear and leather goods.
Nedbank said the programme responds to persistent challenges facing emerging businesses in the sector, particularly limited access to finance and markets. These constraints can prevent promising enterprises from moving beyond small-scale operations, despite the industry’s potential to create jobs and contribute to a more circular economy.
Textile waste
“Entrepreneurship has a critical role to play in South Africa’s transition to a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable economy,” said Maluta Netshaulu, head of Social Impact Portfolio Development at Nedbank.
“Through this programme, we are not only helping entrepreneurs build commercially ready businesses, but also contributing to job creation, localisation and the growth of a circular economy that delivers long-term value for people, communities and the environment.”
The intervention comes as the global fashion and textiles industry grapples with the environmental impact of textile waste. Nedbank cited estimates that more than 90 million tonnes of clothing and textile material is discarded globally each year.
The bank said stronger collaboration between financial institutions, industry and development organisations is needed to help sustainable businesses access the finance, expertise and markets required to scale.
Supporting sustainable enterprise
The accelerator’s participants were recently showcased at an AllFashion Sourcing Cape Town event in Johannesburg, where designers involved in various programmes presented their work alongside the 2026 Green Economy Indaba Awards.
Netshaulu said the development of the participating businesses demonstrated the potential impact of mentorship and access to commercial opportunities.
“Seeing designers develop their craft, strengthen their businesses and gain recognition on platforms such as this is truly inspiring,” he said.
The programme forms part of wider efforts to support sustainable enterprise development as South Africa seeks to build a greener and more inclusive economy.
