From conversations to action
Sanlam Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Collective 2026: From Conversations to Action puts entrepreneurs at the centre of growth.
On 20 October 2026, Sanlam’s Alice Lane offices in Sandton became a hub of entrepreneurship, collaboration and opportunity as the Sanlam MSME Collective 2026 brought together entrepreneurs, funders, development partners, business support organisations and industry leaders.Under the theme “From Conversations to Action”, this year’s Collective was designed to move beyond discussion and focus on practical support. Entrepreneurs were given access to tools, expertise, networks and opportunities to help them grow and strengthen their businesses.Welcoming attendees, Shadi Chauke, Group Executive: Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, highlighted why the work matters. She said, “South Africa’s entrepreneurs matter. Their businesses matter. Their dreams matter. Creating an environment where they can succeed is a responsibility we all share.”
Turning learning into action
The programme combined entrepreneur stories, expert insights and hands-on development opportunities.Business owners shared their journeys, highlighting how they identified opportunities, navigated challenges, accessed funding and support programmes, built partnerships and created businesses that contribute to economic growth and job creation.The programme also featured dedicated development tracks tailored to businesses at different stages of growth:
Funding Readiness for micro enterprises
Market Access and Procurement for small enterprises
Capital and Exposure for medium enterprises
This targeted approach recognised that entrepreneurs have different needs depending on where they are in their business journey. Rather than simply providing information, the Collective created opportunities for participants to engage with funders, specialists and support organisations, and leave with practical next steps.A further panel discussion explored funding, development support and business resilience, reinforcing an important message: access to capital is only one part of the equation. Sustainable businesses also require strong capabilities, sound financial management, market access, advisory support and strategic partnerships.
Building a stronger MSME ecosystem
A key focus of the Collective was bringing together the organisations and stakeholders that play a role in supporting MSMEs. By connecting entrepreneurs with business support organisations, development finance institutions and ecosystem partners, the event demonstrated the value of collaboration in helping businesses access the resources they need to succeed.The Collective also served as a reminder that supporting MSMEs is about more than entrepreneurship development. Thriving small businesses contribute to economic participation, job creation and stronger communities, supporting South Africa’s broader growth and transformation agenda.