SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS
Sasol Circular Impact Lab
Empowering circular MSMEs to scale.
The Circular Impact lab, fuelled by Sasol and implemented by Fetola, is a 9 month business growth initiative to help early stage businesses build their success. This is achieved by adopting circular principles to strengthen their foundations, become more competitive, create jobs and improve their sustainability and environmental impact.
Building circular MSMEs
What is it?
Founded on the principles of healthy profit, people and planet, the Circular Impact programme integrates fundamental circular-economy thinking into the business model to drive profitability and deliver positive social and environmental outcomes.
Who is it for?
This programme is for early growth-stage businesses that have been operating for at least 12 months. It is ideal for full-time business owners who are ambitious, resilient, and committed to continual improvement and growth.
What MSMEs Stand to Gain
- Practical workshops and guided mentorship and support from sector experts.
- Proven circular economy methods designed and implemented by entrepreneurs.
- Hands-on work to improve your systems, operations, and market readiness.
- A thriving network of like-minded entrepreneurs — equipped to grow, access new markets and supply chains, and apply sustainability in ways that support profitability.
ELIGIBILITY
Preferred Sectors
Priority consideration will be given to MSMEs operating in the following industries:
Utilities
Professional Services & Resourcing
Overland Logistics
Mining
Mechanical Fabrication
Marine Logistics
Input Materials & Packaging
Industrial Facilities
ICT
Facilities and Assets
Engineering Contracting
Electrical Control & Instrumentation
Construction Contracting
Civil
Bulk Mechanical
How
Sasol Circular Impact Lab runs over nine months and includes practical workshops and guided support from sector experts. Using proven Circular economy methods that have been designed and implemented by entrepreneurs. Businesses will work on practical solutions to improve their systems, operations, and market readiness. Entrepreneurs will work in a thriving network with other like-minded individuals and be equipped to make their businesses more efficient, prepare for new markets and supply chains, and apply sustainability in ways that support profitability and growth.
Purpose
The purpose of Circular Impact is to help build strong, competitive businesses that can grow and create jobs over time. By supporting better business practices, improved efficiency, and responsible growth, the programme aims to create long-term economic, social, and environmental impact.
Selection Criteria
- The business is at least 51% black-owned and managed.
- The business generates revenue of at least R250k per annum.
- The business must be a registered legal entity with the CIPC and tax-registered.
- The business demonstrates existing or potential job creation.
- The business is in the early stages of growth.
- The business is operational and has been trading for at least 12 months.
- The business should be a going concern, commercially sustainable and viable.
The business is headquartered and registered (if applicable), within South African borders. Priority will be given to businesses located within 50km of Sasol’s operational areas: Secunda and Sasolburg.
Businesses in the following areas will also be considered: Ekandustria/ Bronkhorstspruit, Komati and Nelspruit,
Sasol Place, 50 Katherine Street, Sandton, Rustenburg, Orkney, Mahikeng, Prieska, Postmasburg, Kimberley.
Fetola success stories
Ambesha Africa is a proudly South African brand specializing in the design, manufacturing, and repair of custom-made outdoor and patio furniture. Trudy started as a one-woman business, making woven baskets. As the business grew, she diversified her product range and now has a team of 15.
She expanded operations from 6-metre squared container to 500-metre squared workshop and added circular economy into her model, improving efficiency and profitability. They have cut their waste by as much as 80% – remelting cane off-cuts and manufacturing new products.
Fetola success stories
Contour Enviro Group is an environmental management company specializing in providing comprehensive environmental solutions across various sectors in South Africa. Sabelo is a passionate entrepreneur with 15 years of experience in protected area management.
He was able to secure a tender with the Western Cape Government which resulted in him hiring an additional 129 people and increase turnover by over 800%. He has also become and aggregator and to date has upskilled 8 smaller businesses and subcontracted 14 businesses.
Our Programme Partners
By partnering with innovative companies and organisations that share our vision, we’ve been able to multiply our impact.
