Edge Growth

Edge Growth operates as a specialist in Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) within South Africa, focusing on fostering economic transformation by scaling Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Founded in 2007 by Jason Goldberg and his co-founders, the firm was established with a mission to combat poverty and create livelihoods in Africa by addressing systemic growth constraints for small businesses. Goldberg's background as an electrical engineer and a former strategy consultant, combined with a post-graduate degree in Sustainable Development, shaped the company's focus on creating scalable solutions to socio-economic challenges.

The company's business model is centered on creating purposeful partnerships between large corporations and SMEs. It assists corporate clients in designing and implementing bespoke ESD strategies that not only comply with Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) codes but also integrate SMEs into their value chains for meaningful supply chain transformation. Revenue is generated through fund management, strategy and advisory services for corporates, and the execution of SME development programmes. Edge Growth is a black-owned business and a Level 2 ESD Beneficiary, which enhances its partners' B-BBEE procurement recognition.

Edge Growth's services tackle the three primary barriers for SME growth: access to finance, access to corporate markets, and access to skills. This is delivered through three core offerings. First, the firm acts as a venture impact fund manager, having pioneered some of the first ESD funds in South Africa and managed over ZAR 900 million in capital across various funds like the Vumela Fund and the ASISA ESD Fund. Second, it develops and runs accelerator programmes and provides business development support to equip entrepreneurs with necessary skills for growth. Finally, it provides strategic advisory services to corporates to build and enhance their ESD initiatives. A key milestone has been the creation of over 10,000 jobs through the SMEs it has supported.

Keywords: Enterprise and Supplier Development, ESD, SME growth, impact investing South Africa, B-BBEE compliance, small business development, venture capital, fund management, corporate supply chain transformation, job creation, black-owned business, access to finance, access to markets, skills development, accelerator programmes, SME funding, socio-economic development, Jason Goldberg, Vumela Fund, ASISA ESD Fund