We set out to create an entirely new training programme, guided by a belief in South African food talent.

We exist because South Africa has 3.5 million SMMEs – most in the informal sector – with talent, passion, and potential. We create access to inspiration, training, mentorship and opportunity for growth.

We’re changing that.

Who we are

We’ve watched talented traders struggle because they couldn’t navigate environmental health licensing. We’ve seen incredible food never reach customers because the entrepreneur couldn’t market effectively. We’ve seen passion wasted because there was no system to transform it into profit.

We believe

  • Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not.
  • Training should create businesses, not just certificates.
  • South African food entrepreneurs can compete at the highest level — they need the right foundation.
  • Informal doesn’t mean incapable. It means limited access.
  • Economic development happens when you remove barriers 

We’re driven by

The possibility in every student who walks through the door. The transformation that happens when someone invisible to formal markets becomes a licensed business owner. The moment a graduate lands their first premium festival contract or hires their first employee.

That’s why we do this work.

Our Current Impact

SMME Graduates trained

SMMEs in training

Provinces – Gauteng + Western Cape

Meet The Team

Tom Pearson-Adams

CEO

Wandile Sishange

Director

Jean Huddy

Head of SMME and Strategy

Zuziwe Khumalo

Key Account Manager & SDF Practitioner

Moenira Abrahams

CFO

Yasmeen Abrahams

Accounting Manager

Lizelle Brink

Stakeholder Engagement & Strategy
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