Currently underway at Blaauwklippen in Stellenbosch until the 9th of March, Africa’s largest artisan market and a powerful incubator for South African small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), the KAMERS/Makers market continues to support local talent, driving SME growth, and contributing towards a thriving and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Through its ongoing partnership with KAMERS/Makers, the country’s leading artisan platform, FNB continues to connect local entrepreneurs with real opportunities to scale, trade, and thrive.
Unstoppable Business Starts with Market Access:
“For over two decades, KAMERS/Makers has been a launchpad for independent artisans, giving over 500 entrepreneurs direct access to 60,000+ shoppers annually. Our partnership with FNB Business is more than just sponsorship—it’s about creating the right conditions for local creators and small businesses to succeed,” says Jeremy Doveton-Helps, KAMERS/Makers Brand Director.
Through FNB’s Buy Local, Support Local initiative, now in its third year, the bank has actively championed local South African SMEs by expanding their reach and connecting them to new markets. The collaboration with KAMERS/Makers continues this commitment - ensuring that local artisans have the tools, funding, and opportunities to build unstoppable businesses.
The EMBRYONIX Initiative: Turning Creativity into Scaled Market Access:
A key feature of this year’s partnership is the EMBRYONIX powered by FNB Program, an artisan accelerator designed to equip raw creative talents with real-world business skills and practical artisan mentorship from established Kamers Makers. Selected ‘Apprentisans’ will be matched with Maker Mentors for them refine their craft and learn to run a sustainable business, culminating in an exclusive showcase at the year-end KAMERS/Makers market.
One of the first such Apprentisans, Mike Meyi from Gugulethu, has already begun his journey—guided by Abbas from A&TG Ekasi Bags, who is known for mentoring young talent in township communities. “Being part of The FNB EMBRYONIX Program is life changing. I am working with ‘Uncle Abbas’ to build my own brand and inspire others to do the same,” says Mike.
How FNB Business will be partnering with SA’s Leading Artisan Platform:
“At FNB, we know that access to markets is the best way to grow a business,” says Katleho Mahloane, Executive Head of Commercial and Business Banking Marketing at FNB. “Our partnership with KAMERS/Makers is a testament to our commitment to empowering small businesses with the right support, tools, and platforms to scale. By investing in initiatives like EMBRYONIX, we’re building a sustainable SME ecosystem that fuels economic growth.”
Looking Ahead:
The KAMERS/Makers journey continues with these upcoming markets:
- 30 April - 04 May at St David’s Marist in Johannesburg
- 28 May - 01 June at Menlyn Maine in Pretoria
With each event, FNB Business and KAMERS/Makers are proving that when small businesses are given the right opportunities and platform, unstoppable businesses emerge and thrive.
#BehindUnstoppableBusiness
