SUM1 began with a bold idea: when everyday people come together, they can invest in their communities—creating real impact through growing local businesses and creating jobs where they are needed most. We’ve reimagined the spirit of stokvels into a smart investment platform that allows them to help local businesses grow. Investing for good—for the community, by the community. Because with SUM1, the sum of our efforts is greater than one. Together, we grow stronger.
We channel collective savings into trusted community businesses, giving them the capital to grow. Through 3–12 month asset-backed loans, repayments recycle into new opportunities, multiplying impact. This creates jobs, expands businesses, and strengthens local economies. Every rand invested fuels futures from thriving enterprises. When local businesses succeed, communities prosper.
Soweto Farmers Market is an innovative tech-enabled ecosystem connecting local farmers to schools, households and businesses through on-demand delivery, community markets and their school-farm initiatives.
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A fast food and catering company that brings authentic kasi flavor to tourists, corporate clients, and local communities from deliveries, corporate events or their flagship restaurant in Phillipi.
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Mebala is a slow fashion brand that manufacturers sustainable and technology-enabled leather products. They have been featured on international TV, showcased at South African Fashion Week, and export their products to both the USA and Europe.
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Remlo Cosmetics is an aesthetic wellness and personal body care company, specializing in aesthetic treatments, niche skin care products, Sun protection and Fragrances inspired by the world’s leading brands but cultured to satisfy the African pallet.
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Izaza Eyewear is a homegrown sunglasses brand that provides unique eyewear which is designed with the customer in mind based on trend analysis. From a car boot ekasi to serving customers all over the world.
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Azowel cultivates high-demand commodity crops using state of the art hydroponic technologies. They sell their produce to leading grocery retailers all year round with a primary focus on tomatoes, leafy greens, peppers and cucumbers.
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Ukuhamba is an award-winning healthcare manufacturing company that uses 3D technology to produce high-quality, low-cost prosthetics and orthotics to give amputees and individuals with disabilities back their independence.
Learn MoreSum1 Funds high impact businesses based in township and rural market with a focus on black-owned and youth-led businesses.
(Client Testimonials)
Funding tailored for township businesses and the context which they operate.
Payment terms based on your business cash flow.
Interest paid flow back to Stokvels - helping them earn a return.
Get access to funds when you need it.
No collateral needed, flexible repayment options, and dedicated support. Get approved in minutes.