Nedbank has launched a 12-month accelerator to support 20 established fashion and textile businesses in South Africa as they work to overcome funding, market access and operational challenges.

The Nedbank Fashion Accelerator, introduced under the bank’s Green Economy Social Impact Strategy, is targeting businesses in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.

The programme is designed to help participating enterprises strengthen their operations and prepare to compete for larger commercial opportunities in local and international markets.

Nedbank is delivering the initiative in partnership with enterprise development organisation Fetola. Participants will receive support covering financial literacy, operational management, market access and business development.

The accelerator is open to apparel manufacturers, fashion designers, boutique brands and businesses involved in the production of accessories, footwear and leather goods.

According to Nedbank, the programme addresses longstanding challenges confronting emerging businesses in the sector, particularly restricted access to finance and markets. Such barriers can make it difficult for promising enterprises to expand beyond small-scale operations, despite the fashion and textile industry’s potential to create jobs and support the development of a more circular economy.

“Entrepreneurship has a critical role to play in South Africa’s transition to a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable economy,” said Maluta Netshaulu, head of Social Impact Portfolio Development at Nedbank.

“Through this programme, we are not only helping entrepreneurs build commercially ready businesses, but also contributing to job creation, localisation and the growth of a circular economy that delivers long-term value for people, communities and the environment.”

The initiative also comes against the backdrop of growing concerns over textile waste and its environmental impact globally. Nedbank cited estimates that more than 90 million tonnes of clothing and textile material are discarded worldwide each year.

The bank said greater cooperation among financial institutions, industry players and development organisations is necessary to enable sustainable businesses to secure the finance, expertise and market opportunities needed to grow.

Participants in the accelerator were recently showcased at an AllFashion Sourcing Cape Town event in Johannesburg, where designers involved in various programmes displayed their work alongside the 2026 Green Economy Indaba Awards.

Netshaulu said the progress made by the participating businesses highlighted the value of mentorship and access to commercial opportunities.

“Seeing designers develop their craft, strengthen their businesses and gain recognition on platforms such as this is truly inspiring,” he said.

The accelerator is part of broader efforts to advance sustainable enterprise development as South Africa works towards a greener and more inclusive economy.

Source: The media online