Industry and economy
FNB cemented its position as a champion of South African entrepreneurs by sponsoring over 40 exhibition stands at the recent South African Future Trust (SAFT) Summit 2025. As South Africa's premier business growth and innovation event, the initiative is a core part of FNB's ongoing commitment to unlock market access and create tangible opportunities for local businesses ready to scale.
Originally launched during the Covid-19 pandemic to support struggling businesses, SAFT has evolved into a thriving ecosystem of entrepreneurial support. Today, its annual summit and awards ceremony serve as a critical national platform for growth.
Coinciding with National Entrepreneurship Month, this year's summit attracted over 2 000 entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators for two days of high-impact networking, learning, and collaboration.
FNB's commitment to SME empowerment
Janis Robson, Business Development Head at FNB: "FNB's association with the SAFT began during Covid with our contribution to the business-support fund, and has proudly continued since then. We value the summit's alignment with our efforts to help SMEs in a meaningful and impactful manner. Our sponsorships this year will help SMEs access markets, networking opportunities, collaborate, and learn from the experts on stage. All of this speaks to our core goals in the SME segment - to help build sustainable, viable businesses and unlock economic opportunity."
Showcasing diverse innovation
The summit featured a multi-stage experience, exclusive exhibitions, and an innovative 'silent disco' format for stage access. Headline speakers included Jonathan Oppenheimer, Katlego Maphai, Grace Andrews, and J'Something, sharing vital insights on leadership and growth.
The diverse group of FNB-supported SMEs included:
In addition, we proudly sponsored more than 40 exhibition stands, covering a diverse range of sectors including food, technology, manufacturing education, hair & beauty, and service industries.
Zandile Mkwanazi, CEO of GirlCode, highlighted the value: "Taking part in SAFT 2025 was a huge opportunity for us. FNB's support allowed us to move beyond our digital community, connect with key industry innovators, and showcase the commercial necessity of investing in female tech talent."
Real Help for Unstoppable Businesses
"As South Africa's biggest lender to SMEs, we saw it fit to bring our solutions directly to the summit and empower entrepreneurs with real, tangible help,' Robson added. 'By unlocking access to networks and new markets, and helping them drive revenue, we're giving them the opportunities they need to become unstoppable businesses."
Through impactful initiatives like the SAFT Summit, FNB continues to deliver on its purpose: to help entrepreneurs grow, connect, and thrive. Because Help Changes Everything.
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