Standard Bank paves the way for South Africa's SMEs at the Future Trust Summit

By Staff Writer

Bill Blackie, CEO of Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank Group.

South Africa's most promising entrepreneurs will gather in Johannesburg next month to compete for millions of dollars in business investment at the 2025 South African Future Trust (SAFT) Summit, a national forum that celebrates the ingenuity and resilience of the country's small and medium firms. Standard Bank, as the headline sponsor, supports the SAFT's aim to create opportunities for enterprises that drive the country's progress.

Now in its third year, the two-day Summit, taking place on November 5 and 6, 2025 at the Sandton Convention Centre, will bring together more than 2000 entrepreneurs, investors, politicians, and thought leaders.

Shortlisted SMEs from across the country will compete for a share of millions of rands in funding and development support, with the overall winner receiving US $1 million (roughly R17.4 million as of October 22, 2025) in prize money.

In addition to its headline sponsorship, Standard Bank is financing one category of the SAFT Awards, the Women in Business segment, which includes an R500,000 top prize. This category honours women entrepreneurs whose enterprises create long-term jobs, drive innovation, and contribute to inclusive economic growth.

“For Standard Bank, this partnership reflects our broader purpose of driving Africa’s growth. One of the ways we do this, is through such partnerships that turn possibilities into opportunities for vibrant businesses that power the economy. The SAFT Summit is a celebration of that purpose in action, a moment to recognise the entrepreneurs whose ideas, courage and determination continue to move South Africa forward”, says Bill Blackie, CEO of Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank Group.

“Our relationship with Standard Bank has been defined by a shared urgency and purpose to build a better future for South Africa. From standing with us during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, to headline sponsoring the SAFT Summit, Standard Bank has remained a steadfast partner in our mission to unlock opportunities for entrepreneurs, recognising that small businesses are the driving force behind the South African economy”, says Jonathan Oppenheimer, Chairman of the South African Future Trust.