The Nedbank ReNEW Programme, managed by Impact Amplifier, marks the start of a five-month investment readiness acceleration journey for a new cohort of circular economy and waste-innovation businesses across South Africa.
Following a highly competitive application process with over 200 submissions, the programme has now selected 124 social enterprises to participate across two distinct accelerator pathways, each designed to meet businesses at different stages of maturity and investment readiness.
During the accelerator, selected entrepreneurs from the accelerator cohort will receive up to R1m as they reach investment readiness. The targeted aim of the funding to scale circular ventures in South Africa, which could have a positive impact on youth and job creation.
Two Accelerator Pathways, One Shared Goal
The Nedbank ReNEW Programme is structured around two complementary acceleration streams, enabling tailored support while maintaining a shared focus on sustainable growth, circular innovation and measurable impact. The One-on-One accelerator path will focus on more mature companies, whilst the group accelerator will focus on earlier stage circular ventures, who are still validating their business models.
1. The One-on-One Accelerator
A total of 8 social enterprises have been selected for the One-on-One Accelerator, a bespoke acceleration pathway reserved for more mature businesses with advanced needs and strong potential for scale.
Each One-on-One participant will receive:
- Tailored, one-on-one support aligned to their specific business challenges and opportunities
- A customized selection of modules from Impact-OS
- Direct guidance from a specialist investment analyst within Impact Amplifier’s team
The following enterprises are participating in the One-on-One Accelerator:
- Sonke Retail (Pty) Ltd | IoT-enabled refill stores providing low-income communities with affordable essential goods while eliminating single-use plastic waste.
- The Compost Kitchen | A youth- and Black-owned circular economy enterprise transforming organic food waste into compost and earthworms through vermicomposting.
- LiquidGold Africa | Delivering dignified dry sanitation and circular waste solutions that convert waste into high-value products such as fertilizer and insect protein.
- Urban Surfers | Operating community-based recycling hubs that formalise and improve working conditions for informal waste reclaimers.
- Greener Pastures Recycling Company (Pty) Ltd | Providing on-site waste separation and recycling solutions while advancing environmental education in local communities.
- Shonaquip Social Enterprise | Designing inclusive mobility and waste-reclamation equipment, including lease-to-own recycling trolleys for informal reclaimers.
- Kara Coffee (Pty) Ltd | Recycling waste coffee grounds into sustainable products for the food and beverage industry.
- GreenKids SA | Operating community-based recycling services that collect, purchase, and process recyclables while driving environmental awareness and reducing illegal dumping in local communities.
2. The Group Accelerator
In parallel to the Group Accelerator, a total of 116 businesses have been accepted into the Group Accelerator, which supports early-stage and growth-stage enterprises through a structured, online learning journey.
Participants in the Group Accelerator will engage in:
- Self-study 8 online learning modules
- Group mentorship and peer learning
- Expert-led masterclasses delivered via Impact Amplifier’s Impact-OS platform
The programme is designed to be completed alongside day-to-day business operations over the course of five months.
A Platform for Sustainable Growth
The Nedbank ReNEW Programme reflects a shared commitment by Nedbank and Impact Amplifier to support enterprises that are reimagining waste, advancing circular economy models, and creating inclusive economic opportunities across South Africa.
By combining structured learning, tailored support and access to expert guidance, the programme aims to strengthen participating businesses, improve investment readiness, and contribute to long-term environmental and social impact.
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