It is common knowledge that SMEs are the backbone of the South African economy. Their contribution is highlighted, or rather quantified in percentages. Now, this might be vital data that enables corporations and governments to serve this sector better, but more often than not, the real weight of these numbers is forgotten. Until you put faces to the numbers and make it human.
Edge Growth’s annual Impact Report, officially launched on Friday, 21 November 2025, in Johannesburg. The report’s theme was ‘Impact by Design, Data with Soul’ and highlights how Edge Growth’s purpose-driven programmes and data-led solutions are empowering South African SMEs. The aim behind the report is to gain insight into the South African entrepreneurship landscape and how Edge Growth can continue to drive impact in this sector.
“This year reinforced a central truth at the heart of Edge Growth’s philosophy: impact is not just about numbers; it is about people. Behind every job created is a family with renewed stability. Behind every rand of revenue growth is an entrepreneur who has built a business that delivers essential services or creates opportunities for others,” says Susan Moloisane, Chief Executive at Edge Growth Solutions.
The SME Landscape At A Glance
Drawing from the recent report, the SME landscape in South Africa has made the following impacts:
- MSMEs encompass three-quarters of all businesses in South Africa
- Half of all the jobs in South Africa are created by MSMEs
- There are 3,2 million MSMEs in the country.
- When we say 40% of the GDP is generated by small businesses, it equates to R750,56 billion.
- 13,4 people are employed by MSMEs
Edge Growth’s 2025 Impact Report dives into the impact that their SME support (Solutions and Ventures) has made among small businesses.
Small businesses within the Edge Growth ecosystem have benefited from over 25% average revenue growth. Among the more than 1 000 SME beneficiaries, more than 90% are black-owned, including 31% that are owned by black women. Since its inception, over 14 000 total jobs have been created, with over R3,7 billion in cumulative SME revenue earned.
“Our purpose has always been to grow small businesses, create employment and drive sustainable change,” says Dan Hatfield, Edge Growth CEO. “We remain a social purpose before we are a company and we are committed to designing impact with precision, measuring it with rigour and ensuring it delivers real opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive.”
Despite the ongoing challenges for SMEs in South Africa, opportunities are abundant, particularly when businesses receive mentorship, strategic planning, financial management, compliance, digital adoption, and funding readiness support.
“For the first time in our 15-year history, we’ve seen a large majority of the businesses that were looking for funding in certain programmes actually get funding. That’s a real win because it shows how bringing together investment readiness, developmental support, and finance can unlock the opportunities SMEs have been asking for all along,” says Hatfield.
Many stories from real SMEs were shared on the day and in the report, indicating the tangible impact that Edge Growth’s support has made on entrepreneurs.
Measurable Impact by SMEs
It’s important to note that the report results are limited and only address the impact that Edge Growth has had on its community of business owners.
Future research can (and should) delve into the impact that SMEs are making within South Africa. This will further enable key role players to make sense of the data and humanise these data points, rather than being “just another number”. Equipped with this understanding, brands and governments can direct their efforts towards where SMEs truly need support.
Therefore, reports play a vital role in any industry to shine light on the current state thereof, as well as identifying gaps where solutions can be created.
It is common knowledge that SMEs are the backbone of the South African economy. Their contribution is highlighted, or rather quantified in percentages. Now, this might be vital data that Read More
