South Africa’s informal economy has received a powerful boost with the success of the Craft and Design Institute (CDI)’s first-ever SCALE Programme – Supporting Creatives + Accelerating Local Enterprises. Backed by the National Treasury’s Jobs Fund, the programme has helped 174 craft and design entrepreneurs expand their businesses and create at least 55 new jobs within just three years.

Unlike previous CDI-Jobs Fund initiatives that supported larger, established businesses, SCALE focuses on informal entrepreneurs, many of whom run small, unregistered enterprises. This shift has proven effective: participants’ combined revenue increased by an impressive 108.86%, more than doubling turnover from R16.8 million to R35.2 million.

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Six entrepreneurs are now earning over R1 million annually, while 95% of participants are paying themselves salaries or benefits averaging R11,346 per month.

“The key point with SCALE was whether our tested methodology – catalytic funding, mentoring and support – could work for informal businesses,” explains CDI Group CEO Erica Elk. “The answer has been a resounding yes. These results show how agile and flexible micro-entrepreneurs are in creating growth and jobs.”

Each entrepreneur received a R23,000 growth grant, totalling R6.4 million across 4,052 transactions. The funding supported equipment, materials and services, while a comprehensive support package gave participants tools to grow sustainably:

• Business assessments & roadmaps tailored to each enterprise.
• Six months of online training and webinars – over 207 sessions via CDI’s LEARN.org.za platform.
• 3,500+ hours of coaching and mentoring to guide entrepreneurs.
• Financial incentives & support – R5,000 reporting grant plus R3,000 airtime/data.
• Access to markets through PEEK online marketplace and Decorex Cape Town exhibitions.
• YOCO Khumo point-of-sale devices for 119 participants.

The success of SCALE is reflected in the entrepreneurs’ growth journeys:

• Zokufa Media Productions – Pam Zokufa directed a R500,000-budget film screened internationally.
• Vivacious Eco Vixon – Grew from 10 to 35 staff and delivered a 15,000-unit textile order.
• CoralBloom Studio – Expanded from three to 26 employees and entered 13 Tourvest stores.
• Cupido Leather Works – Expanded product lines into sandals, school shoes, and veldskoene.
• Kingsdale Emporio – Plans to boost production with in-house machinery and expand into exports.

Najwah Allie-Edries, head of the Jobs Fund, says:

“Millions of South Africans rely on the informal economy. Through SCALE, we’ve seen how targeted support can unlock the potential of micro-entrepreneurs – helping them create sustainable jobs and build stronger communities.”

Olwethu Kwayiba, CDI Project Manager, adds:

“The courage and resilience of these entrepreneurs have been inspiring. SCALE’s results prove that the informal economy is a powerful driver of inclusive growth.”