Economic Empowerment Hub: Resources for Black Businesses

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Black Economic Empowerment Hub

Decreasing Barriers by Increasing Access

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Resources to help Black businesses grow, all year round

The reSURGEnce conference brings people together for a few powerful days. The Economic Empowerment Hub keeps that support going all year. It is a free collection of guides, tools and partner resources designed to help Black-owned businesses start, grow and connect with new markets, whether you are based in South Africa, elsewhere in Africa or in the diaspora. Everything in the hub is practical. We focus on the questions entrepreneurs ask us most often: where to find funding, how to win contracts, how to export, where to find mentors and how to build partnerships across borders. Each section links to trusted guides, organisations and programmes, and we add new resources regularly.

The hub is organised into four areas: funding and access to capital, procurement and supplier diversity, trade and diaspora investment, and mentorship and networks. You don't need to read it in order. Start with the section that matches the challenge in front of you today, and come back as your business grows. If you can't find what you are looking for, tell us, and we will try to point you in the right direction.

Funding and access to capital

Access to capital remains one of the biggest barriers for Black-owned businesses. This section helps you understand your options and prepare to approach funders with confidence.

Understanding funding options — the differences between grants, loans, equity investment, crowdfunding and revenue-based finance, and which suits your stage of business.
Getting investment-ready — what funders look for, and how to prepare a clear business plan, financial statements and a pitch.
Funding organisations — a directory of development finance institutions, government agencies, angel networks and funds that support Black-owned and small businesses. [Add verified links for South Africa and the US.]

Look out for our blog articles on preparing for investment, and attend the access-to-capital sessions at reSURGEnce to meet funders in person.

Procurement and supplier diversity

Large companies and governments buy billions in goods and services every year, and many have programmes to include small and Black-owned suppliers. Winning these contracts can transform a business.

How procurement works — understanding tenders, requests for proposals and supplier registration.
Getting registered — the registrations and certifications buyers commonly ask for, such as supplier databases and diversity certifications. [Add verified links, for example South Africa’s Central Supplier Database and US supplier diversity certification bodies.]
Enterprise and supplier development — programmes where larger companies support smaller suppliers with finance, training and market access.

At the conference, our business matchmaking sessions connect suppliers with corporate buyers looking for new partners.

Trade, export and diaspora investment

Trade between Africa and its diaspora is one of the biggest opportunities for Black businesses today. This section helps you take the first steps.

Exporting for beginners — how to research markets, price for export, find buyers and handle logistics and documentation.
Trade agreements — an introduction to agreements that can reduce tariffs, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). [Add current guidance on US–Africa trade arrangements, which have changed recently.]
Investing from the diaspora — practical guidance on finding trustworthy partners, doing due diligence and structuring investments in Africa.
Investing in KwaZulu-Natal — sectors, special economic zones and support agencies. Read our Invest in KwaZulu-Natal guide.

Our Partners & Sponsors

Our sponsors and partners are essential to the reSURGEnce Conference, driving our mission to empower Black businesses and communities globally. Their support provides vital resources, funding, and opportunities, fueling growth and innovation.

Mentorship, networks and learning

No business grows alone. The right mentor, peer group or network can open doors, shorten learning curves and provide support when things get hard.

Mentorship programmes — organisations that match entrepreneurs with experienced business mentors.
Business networks and chambers — associations that connect Black business owners with peers, customers and partners in South Africa and the diaspora.
Free learning resources — courses and guides on finance, marketing, leadership and digital skills.
The reSURGEnce community — join our mailing list for updates, events and opportunities throughout the year.

Are you an organisation that supports Black-owned businesses? We would love to feature your programme in the hub. Contact us with details, and our team will review it for inclusion. Organisations can also reach entrepreneurs directly by exhibiting or becoming a sponsor.

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