Black Umbrellas

Black Umbrellas Black Umbrellas is a non-profit company involved in the support of emerging black businesses through enterprise development. To build the country of our dreams.
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“We are here to turn big dreams into reality. To empower the small business into big business. To create jobs and grow a land of opportunity for all. We are the power of positive change. We are Black Umbrellas.”

What a powerful morning of connection, courage and inspiration at the Black Umbrellas Women’s Breakfast 2026.Under the t...
24/08/2026

What a powerful morning of connection, courage and inspiration at the Black Umbrellas Women’s Breakfast 2026.

Under the theme “Women Who Build Beyond Resilience,” we brought together an inspiring room of women entrepreneurs, leaders, partners and changemakers for meaningful conversations about what it takes to build, lead and thrive beyond simply being resilient.

A special thank you to our keynote speaker Magda Wierzycka, whose powerful reflections on the grit and determination required to build a successful business set the tone for the morning.

We were also privileged to have Dr Nobulali Dangazele facilitate an insightful panel featuring Prof Monique Zaahl, Zimkhita Peter, Hrydhaya Ramchunder and Tebogo Mokgoadi, who shared valuable perspectives, experiences and lessons from their entrepreneurial and professional journeys.

Thank you to our Programme Director Thokozile Mcopele, our partners, sponsors, guests and everyone who helped make this celebration of women such a memorable one.
Here’s to the women who keep building, leading, creating and making an impact. 💛

Some scientists advance knowledge. Others build businesses that take that knowledge into the world.For Prof. Monique Zaa...
21/08/2026

Some scientists advance knowledge. Others build businesses that take that knowledge into the world.

For Prof. Monique Zaahl, a geneticist, researcher, entrepreneur and Black Umbrellas alumna, science became the foundation for something bigger.

After a career spanning laboratory management, research and innovation — including registering multiple patents and managing an advanced testing laboratory at Stellenbosch University — Monique founded GENEdiagnostics, a 100% Black-owned genetic testing, research and training business.

Today, the business operates at the intersection of science, healthcare and entrepreneurship, offering services ranging from genetic disease and pharmacogenetic testing to whole exome sequencing, while continuing to develop new genetic tests for the market. Her journey shows that entrepreneurship doesn't always begin with a business idea. Sometimes, it begins with years of knowledge, a problem worth solving, and the courage to build something from it.

As we celebrate World Entrepreneurs Day — and reflect on a Women’s Month centred on women who lead, create and challenge expectations — we celebrate Prof. Monique Zaahl: a woman turning scientific expertise into innovation, opportunity and impact. Because there is more than one way to change the world.

Get bespoke, evidence-driven coaching with live funder visibility—and upon completion, pitch to investors for a shot at ...
11/08/2026

Get bespoke, evidence-driven coaching with live funder visibility—and upon completion, pitch to investors for a shot at R50K–R200K grant funding. Apply to join the Black Umbrellas programme today and invest in the future of your business: https://incubator.blackumbrellas.org/signup/

06/08/2026

Your business deserves more than ambition alone.

If you're ready to grow your business, strengthen your operations, and unlock new opportunities, Black Umbrellas is here to support your journey. Black Umbrellas is recruiting women-led businesses in Green, Rural & Township economies.

Get bespoke, evidence-driven coaching with live funder visibility—and upon completion, pitch to investors for a shot at R50K–R200K grant funding.

Apply to join the Black Umbrellas programme today and invest in the future of your business.

We are proud to congratulate Cyril Madiba on his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, e...
30/07/2026

We are proud to congratulate Cyril Madiba on his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, effective 1 August 2026.

Cyril's journey is an inspiring example of the transformative power of opportunity. As a beneficiary of the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET), he became the first person in his family to graduate from university before qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. His career has since spanned auditing, investment banking and the non-profit sector, culminating in this well-deserved appointment.

Having served as Interim Chief Executive Officer since February 2026, Cyril has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision. We are excited to see him lead the Foundation into its next chapter.

As a partner entity of Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, Black Umbrellas celebrates this significant milestone and looks forward to continuing our shared mission of empowering individuals, entrepreneurs and communities across South Africa.

Congratulations, Cyril, on this remarkable achievement. We wish you every success in your new role.

16/07/2026

Every business has a story. Behind each success is determination, resilience, and access to the right support.

At Black Umbrellas, we empower entrepreneurs with the mentorship, business development support, networks, and resources they need to build sustainable, thriving businesses.

Together with the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, we are creating opportunities that drive inclusive economic growth and strengthen South Africa's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

A huge thank you to everyone who entered our competition! We truly appreciate your enthusiasm and support. Our winners h...
06/07/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who entered our competition! We truly appreciate your enthusiasm and support.

Our winners have now been selected and will be contacted directly.

Congratulations to our lucky winners, and thank you once again to everyone who participated. Stay tuned for more exciting competitions and opportunities!

From operating without formal structures to building a growing business that is creating opportunities across the KwaZul...
24/06/2026

From operating without formal structures to building a growing business that is creating opportunities across the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, Saule Café's journey demonstrates the impact of entrepreneurial support.

Through the Black Umbrellas programme, strengthened his business operations, expanded his customer base, secured strategic partnerships, and contributed to skills development by training hospitality teams and baristas across the region.

Today, Saule Café is not only serving quality coffee but also helping raise industry standards, support local economic growth, and create pathways for future employment.

Read more here: https://blackumbrellas.co.za/success-stories/lungelo-saule/

Are you a young entrepreneur or aspiring business owner ready to grow your idea or business?This Youth Month, we are giv...
22/06/2026

Are you a young entrepreneur or aspiring business owner ready to grow your idea or business?

This Youth Month, we are giving away 5 complimentary SME Membership Access Passes valued at R995, through our partnership with NSBC Africa.

Winners will receive access to:
• Complimentary 2-day access to The Business Show (02 & 03 September 2026)
• Exclusive VIP access to breakfast networking events
• High-impact SME webinars
• SA’s powerful Funding Marketplace
• A national ecosystem of entrepreneurs and industry leaders

To enter:
1. Follow the Black Umbrellas page on all social media platforms
2. Like this post + share
3. Comment with:
• Your business name and what your business does
• Your biggest growth challenge right now

This is your opportunity to connect, learn, and position your business for growth. Entries close 30 June 2026.

Partner with us.
26/05/2026

Partner with us.

Address

1st Floor, 18 Acacia Road, Chislehurston, Sandton
Johannesburg
2191

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

086186273552

Website

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