Astron Energy Development Fund

24/02/2026

Last night’s State of the Nation Address by the President reaffirmed something we strongly believe in: inclusive economic growth starts with small businesses.

The President spoke about reviving key industries such as ferrochrome, steel and automotive manufacturing to protect and grow quality jobs. Strengthening our industrial base is critical, but equally important is ensuring that opportunity flows through the entire value chain, especially to small and medium enterprises (SMMEs).

He made a powerful point:

"If every small and medium business in South Africa employed just one additional person, we would create 3 million new jobs."

This speaks directly to the AEDF's mission.

Across South Africa, and the continent, SMMEs account for over 90% of businesses and nearly 80% of employment. Yet many struggle to access funding, secure markets, or navigate regulatory hurdles. Women and youth-led enterprises face even greater barriers.

We were encouraged to hear commitments to:

- Provide more than R2.5 billion in funding to over 180,000 SMMEs
- Extend R1 billion in guarantees
- Amend credit regulations to improve access to affordable finance
- Ensure that business licensing reforms make it easier, not harder, to start and grow a business
- Prioritise women and youth-led enterprises

At the AEDF, this is precisely where we focus our efforts.

We seek to:
1. Support the establishment and growth of sustainable local SMMEs within the Astron Energy value chain and linked communities
2. Expand local procurement of goods and services
3. Develop digital and business skills for unemployed and school-going youth
4. Prioritise businesses from disadvantaged groups

Economic transformation is not an abstract concept, it is about creating meaningful, sustainable livelihoods. It is about backing those who create opportunities. It is about ensuring that growth is inclusive and shared.

If each supported SMME can grow, hire, and thrive, we do more than build businesses - we build communities.

10/12/2025

Fueling the Future: Entrepreneurial Exchange A Catalyst for Growth, Innovation & Real Opportunity.

The Fueling the Future: Entrepreneurial Exchange brought together emerging entrepreneurs, industry experts, and development partners for an inspiring day of learning and connection. Hosted by ORT South Africa and powered by the Astron Energy Development Fund (AEDF), the event created a vibrant space for collaboration and growth.

The programme opened with dynamic MCs, Owona Madlingozi and Meso Qhobela, whose energy set the tone for the day. Keynote speaker Clive Butkow, COO of Accenture SA, delivered a powerful session on “12 Lessons on Tech Investments,” offering practical insights on resilience, ex*****on, customer focus, traction, and disciplined growth, leaving entrepreneurs with clear, actionable takeaways. These lessons resonated deeply, immediately setting a high standard for the thinking and conversations that followed.

Adding to the momentum, Ariellah highlighted powerful milestones achieved by entrepreneurs within the programme, showcasing not only their commercial growth but also the impact they continue to make within their industries and communities. Her message reinforced ORT SA’s commitment to equipping, developing, and amplifying SMMEs across South Africa.

The Fueling It Forward SMME panel featured programme alumni who shared how their wellness (Isede Naturals), beauty (Dune Nature), self-care (Dew Skincare), and industrial services (Zamde Projects) businesses have grown through authenticity, quality, and community impact. Their collective stories highlighted the power of mentorship, resilience, and applying programme learnings to build sustainable, impactful enterprises.

An exhibition featuring ORT SA entrepreneurs in the engineering, solar, wellness, hazardous waste removal, digital, tech agriculture, events and catering and sustainable fashion industries among many others. Attendees were invited to walk through the exhibition and meet the entrepreneurs and learn more about their ventures. Through this exercise, some of our entrepreneurs found new clients with one client requesting the services of one of one of our entrepreneurs for the very next day.

The “Fueled by Grit” panel featuring Mr. Joshua Wolmarans (Western Cape DEDAT), Mr. Anton Ressel (ARC Consulting), Mr. Riyaad Hanslo(Momentum Group), and Mr Hlumelo Sobekwa offered powerful reflections highlighting real breakthroughs, the practical application of lessons in their businesses, and the profound personal and professional impact of mentorship.

The event concluded with the celebration of the 2025 graduating cohort, a group recognised for their dedication, passion, and resilience.

A huge congratulations to the ORT South Africa Team for their unwavering support of SMME's nationwide.

From

05/12/2025

The Astron Energy Development Fund would like to announce that the Bid Window for Facility Maintenance Companies is now officially OPEN!

Are you an SMME operating in construction, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or specialised facility maintenance services for the retail forecourt? This is your opportunity to unlock growth capital and take your business to the next level.

Through this funding window, eligible companies can access support for:

- Equipment or vehicle acquisition.
- Acquiring and maintaining essential certifications.
- Technology upgrades.
- Business development assistance.

This opportunity is designed to empower SMMEs with the resources needed to scale sustainably and position themselves for future contract opportunities within the Astron Energy value chain.

Apply here: Visit the link below and click “APPLY HERE” at the bottom right corner: https://lnkd.in/dypGtaFh

Join our live webinar on 5 December 2025, from 11:00–12:00, to gain insights into the application process and learn how to strengthen your submission.

Webinar Link: https://lnkd.in/di4Nhhax

Important Dates:
Opening Date: 2 December 2025
Closing Date: 15 December 2025
Webinar: 5 December 2025 (11:00–12:00)

We encourage you to seize this opportunity to showcase your business and make a meaningful impact with the support of the AEDF. We look forward to receiving your applications and wish you the best of luck.

Minimum Criteria to be met:

1. Company ownership: Preference will be given to majority black-owned EMEs/QSEs or enterprises with documented transformation plans progressing toward majority black ownership.

2. Annual turnover threshold: Between R1 million and R50 million.

3. Operational history: At least 2 years of operation with demonstrated ability to complete jobs successfully (references, photos, etc.).

4. Business expansion plan: A high-level business growth plan must be submitted.

5. Financial history: Last two years of financial statements and latest management accounts, or three months of bank statements.

6. Compliance & Governance: Valid business licenses, tax clearance certificate, COIDA certificate, and evidence of compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.

7. Community and socio-economic impact: Demonstration of contribution to local socio-economic development, such as supporting local suppliers or employing staff from surrounding communities.

20/11/2025

𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗡 𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗚𝗬 & 𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗦𝗔 𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗩𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗦!
This year’s Let Kidz Code Year-End Exhibition was a true celebration of innovation and youth empowerment. Learners showcased how coding can solve real-world problems — from safety alerts to emergency medical systems.

Judges’ Choice Award: Crime Stopper — an emergency panic system designed to alert parents and police in seconds.
Audience Choice Award: Ambulance Roll Call — connects schools with hospitals and parents to ensure learners’ health and safety.

Both winning projects came from Michael Mkhwanazi Primary School

ORT SA CEO, Ariellah Rosenberg, shared:

“Astron Energy’s impact reaches far beyond the classroom... Their success proves that when corporate and education sectors work hand in hand, we build a generation capable of shaping a better future.”

Thank you to Astron Energy - Pty Ltd for your long-standing commitment to empowering South Africa’s youth through technology and innovation.

20/11/2025

07/11/2025

06/11/2025

06/11/2025

🔔OPPORTUNITY ALERT !🔔

The Silulo Foundation is proud to announce that applications for Digital Computer Literacy (DCL) are now open. This program is a tuition-free course, generously sponsored by , as part of their commitment to uplifting and empowering the youth of Dunoon and Slovo.

The program is designed to equip participants with essential digital and computer literacy skills, helping to bridge the digital divide and enhance employment readiness.

Eligibility:
- Must be unemployed
- Must reside in Dunoon or Slovo
- Must be between the ages of 18-40

Residents of Slovo and Dunoon can come to the Silulo Foundation office and apply there. Link is also available in bio. DON’T MISS OUT !!!