World Tree Business Academy

Startup Business Support

Support World Tree: Empower Entrepreneurs, Equip Future Leaders

Unlock Potential. Transform Communities. Startup Business Support

At The World Tree, our mission is to provide startup business support to underserved entrepreneurs across South Africa. Whether it’s a young innovator with a great idea or an intern learning the ropes, we’re committed to breaking down barriers to success with real tools: laptops, funding, training, and mentorship.

You can help us change this.

startup business support

What Startup Business Support Means

Startup business support means giving aspiring entrepreneurs the tools, resources, and mentorship they need to launch and grow sustainable businesses. At The World Tree, this includes access to essential technology, expert training, and personalized guidance, especially for those who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity.

Laptops & Tablets

New or gently used laptops for our interns and entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses.

Office Equipment

Desks, chairs, printers, internet devices, and other essentials that create a productive workspace.

Financial Donations

Funds to support training programs, purchase supplies, and provide startup resources.

Offer Expertise

Volunteers with expertise in business, marketing, finance, and operations to guide and empower our entrepreneurs.

Empowered people empower others

your donation starts a ripple of change

Startup Business Support

How Your Donation Helps with Startup Business Support

Equips entrepreneurs with the technology they need to succeed.

Supports comprehensive training and internship programs that nurture skilled business owners.

Fuels economic growth and uplifts entire communities by creating jobs and opportunity.

90%

of startups fail due to lack of funding.

70%

of entrepreneurs need tech to grow.

3×

Mentorship boosts business success.

80%

of SA jobs come from small businesses.

Ways to Donate

01

Donate Equipment

If you have laptops or office equipment to donate, please send them to:

The World Tree
16 Nicola Street
Paarl North
Cape Town
7646

For pick-up arrangements, contact us at mentor@theworldtree.co.za

02

Donate Money

Your financial support powers our mission. Donate securely online or via bank transfer:

Bank Details:
Bank: FNB
Account Name: The World Tree
Account Number: 1405270916
Branch Code: 470010
Reference: Donation

03

Donate Your Time & Expertise

Become a mentor or trainer and make a direct impact:
Contact us at mentor@theworldtree.co.za

Why Supporting South Africa’s

Informal Entrepreneurs Matter

South Africa’s informal economy plays a crucial role in providing jobs and livelihoods, making up 19.5% of total employment as of late 2024. Nearly 1.9 million South Africans run informal, non-VAT registered businesses, highlighting the sector’s importance for economic resilience and opportunity.

For detailed statistics and official data, visit Statistics South Africa’s report on the informal sector.

These millions of informal entrepreneurs face significant challenges, from limited access to funding and technology to lack of formal training and mentorship.

Your donation can provide essential tools like laptops, business training, and expert guidance that help these entrepreneurs transform their ideas into thriving businesses.

By supporting The World Tree, you’re empowering real people to build sustainable livelihoods and stronger communities across South Africa.

19.5%

of total jobs are in the informal sector (Stats SA, Q4 2024).

1.9 m

South Africans run informal, non-VAT registered businesses.

50%+

of informal entrepreneurs have not completed matric.

33.1%

of informal business owners are aged 35–44 (up from 27.9% in 2001).

88.9%

of informal business owners are Black Africans.

27.9%

of informal businesses operate from the owner’s home.

48.2%

share of informal businesses in trade, down from 69.7% in 2001.

10.7%

of informal businesses held official licences in 2023.

34.3%

of informal businesses needed marketing support in 2023.

Have Questions About Getting Involved?

We know you might have questions about how our startup business support works , whether you’re donating, volunteering, or just curious about our mission. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you understand how your support empowers real entrepreneurs in South Africa.

Startup business support includes resources like training, mentorship, funding, and equipment to help new entrepreneurs succeed.

We provide laptops, office tools, training, and expert mentorship to empower South African entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses.

We support aspiring entrepreneurs, interns, and youth from underserved communities with strong ideas and the drive to succeed.

Yes! Gently used laptops, tablets, desks, chairs, and other gear help entrepreneurs create professional and productive workspaces.

The World Tree
4461 Hout Bay Main Road
Tierboskloof, Cape Town, 7806
Or contact: mentor@theworldtree.co.za for pickup.

No, donations are not tax-deductible, as The World Tree is a private company and not a registered nonprofit organization.

Your funds help us buy tech, run training programs, and offer startup grants — fueling real businesses that uplift communities.

Absolutely! We welcome mentors in business, marketing, finance, and operations. Email mentor@theworldtree.co.za to get started.

Donate money or equipment, volunteer your expertise, or spread the word. Every action helps build a stronger, more inclusive economy.

We support a wide range of startups — from small product-based businesses to service providers — especially those with local community impact.

Your Journey Starts Here

Every great business begins with a single step, let this be yours. Whether you’re finding your path or ready to level up, We’re here to walk it with you through our business mentorship in South Africa.

079 617 9536

mentor@theworldtree.co.za

Paarl, Cape Town