Derived from the Kiswahili words for “strength” and “resilience,” IMARA transcends the traditional definition of a fund, it stands as a lifeline for South Africa’s unsung economic backbone: its artisans.
Prosperity Mukhari, founder of Wikongro Construction. Picture: SuppliedIn a bold move to reshape South Africa ’s economic landscape, the Imara Artisan SMME Fund has officially launched. Spearheaded by NPO Allan Gray Makers in partnership with ESquared Investments, the fund looks to empower the nation’s unsung heroes: artisan entrepreneurs.
The 33-year-old's business had only been going for a month when the Covid-19 lockdown hit but she was able to keep her team of eight workers together despite the economic turmoil. This fund targets the R300 billion funding gap stifling small and medium enterprises in critical artisan trades, from construction to hospitality. The initiative now calls on more investors to fuel a movement that blends profit with purpose, aiming to transform 20 000 artisan micro-businesses into engines of job creation and community upliftment.
Material Financing: Artisan entrepreneurs can access materials needed for projects through channel partners without immediate payment obligations.
Imara Smmes Imara Smme Fund Allan Gray Makers E Squared Investments Launch Drivers Of Job Creation And Community Growth Imara Artisan Smme Fund Gladwyn Leeuw Seth Mulli E Squared Investments Kiswahili Artisan Building Supply Retailers Setana Capital R1
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