Empowering the Future: The CECEP/Stanbic SMME Grant Beneficiaries Announced. In a powerful move toward driving economic growth and fostering entrepreneurship, Debswana and Stanbic Bank have officially unveiled the first cohort of beneficiaries for the CECEP/Stanbic SMME Grant. The announcement comes after a thorough selection process that saw a remarkable 4,600 applications from the Jwaneng Mine area, each evaluated with strict adherence to the program’s established criteria. From this competitive pool, 20 outstanding Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) have been chosen to benefit from this transformative initiative.
The CECEP/Stanbic SMME Grant is a bold and exciting collaboration between two prominent entities—Debswana, one of Botswana’s key mining companies, and Stanbic Bank, a leading financial institution. This initiative aims to uplift and sustain local businesses, creating lasting economic change in the Jwaneng region. With an eye on long-term success, the program will span five years, targeting SMMEs run by unemployed youth, women, and differently-abled individuals. This strategic focus seeks to ensure inclusivity and diversify economic opportunities within the region.
For the 20 selected SMMEs, this grant represents more than just financial support—it symbolizes a fresh start, a chance to build resilient and thriving businesses that can adapt to the evolving economic landscape. The winners will now have access to vital resources, mentorship, and funding that will equip them with the tools necessary to grow their businesses and contribute significantly to the region’s economic prosperity.
The selection process was rigorous, as the program aimed to identify businesses with the potential to make a sustainable impact on the local economy. Each application was scrutinized for its alignment with the program’s goals of fostering inclusivity, economic diversification, and long-term viability. By focusing on marginalized groups, such as unemployed youth, women, and individuals with disabilities, this initiative ensures that those who have historically faced barriers to economic participation are given a chance to succeed.
Congratulations are in order for the 20 deserving SMMEs, whose hard work and dedication have earned them this incredible opportunity. These businesses will now have the chance to grow, thrive, and be part of a larger movement aimed at reshaping the economic future of the Jwaneng area. The beneficiaries of the CECEP/Stanbic SMME Grant are set to receive not only the financial backing they need but also valuable guidance and mentorship that will help them navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
This initiative is a shining example of what can be achieved when corporate and community interests align. Through programs like the CECEP/Stanbic SMME Grant, local economies are strengthened, and new opportunities are created, ultimately benefiting the entire community. By supporting small businesses, we invest in the future of the region, fostering job creation, skill development, and innovation. This grant also serves as a reminder that true economic growth comes from the ground up—by empowering individuals to become leaders and change-makers in their own communities.
As the program unfolds over the next five years, it’s exciting to think about the ripple effect this initiative will have. The hope is that the businesses supported by this grant will not only thrive but also serve as beacons of inspiration for others looking to make their mark in the world of entrepreneurship.
