Building an Inclusive Economy Where Disability Is Not a Barrier to Enterprise
The Dumo Gqola Inclusive Enterprise Foundation equips persons with disabilities with the tools, networks, and opportunities needed to build sustainable businesses and participate meaningfully in South Africa's economy.
What We Do
South Africa has policies supporting disability inclusion, yet thousands of people with disabilities remain excluded from meaningful economic participation. Our foundation exists to close that gap through enterprise development, skills support, and access to markets. We focus on enabling entrepreneurs with disabilities to move from survival to sustainability and from isolation to inclusion.
Who We Are
The Dumo Gqola Inclusive Enterprise Foundation is a disability-inclusive enterprise development initiative focused on unlocking economic participation for persons with disabilities. We believe that economic inclusion is not charity, it is infrastructure. When entrepreneurs with disabilities gain access to markets, funding, and supply chains, entire communities benefit. Our work is driven by the principle that inclusion must be practical, measurable, and scalable.
Vision
An inclusive South African economy where persons with disabilities actively participate as entrepreneurs, suppliers, and job creators.
Mission
To empower persons with disabilities through enterprise development, skills support, market access, and strategic partnerships that enable sustainable livelihoods.
Core Values
Inclusion
Every person deserves access to economic opportunity.
Dignity
We build independence - not dependency.
Accountability
We measure outcomes, not intentions.
Collaboration
Real change happens through partnerships with government, corporates, and communities.
Sustainability
We create solutions that last beyond funding cycles.
The Problem We Are Solving
Persons with disabilities in South Africa face structural barriers that limit participation in the economy, including:
Limited access to funding
Barriers to education and training
Lack of accessible business infrastructure
Exclusion from corporate supply chains
Social stigma and discrimination
These barriers result in:
Low employment rates among persons with disabilities
Limited participation in entrepreneurship
Persistent economic inequality
Our foundation addresses these systemic challenges through targeted enterprise development.
Our Programmes
Inclusive Enterprise Development Programme
This programme supports persons with disabilities to start and grow small businesses. Services include:
- Business training
- Business registration support
- Market readiness preparation
- Procurement readiness
- Mentorship and coaching
Outcome goal: Build sustainable disability-owned enterprises capable of participating in supply chains.
Supplier Development Programme
We support disability-owned businesses to access corporate and government procurement opportunities. Services include:
- Supplier onboarding support
- Compliance preparation
- Tender readiness training
- Procurement mentorship
- Market linkage facilitation
Outcome goal: Increase participation of disability-owned enterprises in formal procurement systems.
Skills and Capacity Building
Entrepreneurship without skills is noise. We provide:
- Financial literacy training
- Digital skills development
- Business operations training
- Supply chain fundamentals
- Leadership development
Outcome goal: Create competent, confident business owners.
Corporate Partnership Programme
We work with corporates to create inclusive supplier ecosystems. Services include:
- Disability-inclusive supplier identification
- Enterprise development partnerships
- Corporate social investment collaboration
- Diversity and inclusion advisory
Outcome goal: Turn inclusion commitments into measurable business outcomes.
Founder Story
Dumo Gqola
Procurement Professional | Entrepreneur | Disability Inclusion Advocate
Dumo Gqola is a procurement professional and entrepreneur whose journey into disability advocacy began after a life-changing motor vehicle accident that resulted in paraplegia. Through his professional background in procurement and supply chain management, he witnessed firsthand how access to markets, not motivation, determines business success. He also experienced personally how systemic barriers limit the participation of persons with disabilities in economic activity.
Rather than accept exclusion, he built a platform to challenge it. The Dumo Gqola Inclusive Enterprise Foundation was established to transform disability inclusion from policy language into economic reality.
Why This Foundation Exists
Because talent exists everywhere, opportunity does not.
Because disability inclusion cannot remain theoretical.
Because entrepreneurship is one of the fastest ways to create independence and dignity.
Because South Africa cannot afford to exclude millions of capable people from its economy.
Who We Serve
Our programmes primarily support:
- Persons with disabilities
- Aspiring entrepreneurs
- Informal business owners
- Early-stage small businesses
- Disability-owned enterprises
We also support:
- Corporates seeking inclusive suppliers
- Government development programmes
- Community-based organisations
Our Approach
We do not run workshops for the sake of reporting. We build real businesses.
Identification
Find entrepreneurs with potential.
Preparation
Provide practical skills and mentorship.
Connection
Link businesses to markets.
Growth
Support scaling and sustainability.
Our Impact Goals (First 5 Years)
These numbers matter. They force discipline.
Entrepreneurs Trained
Businesses Formalised
Disability-owned businesses formalised
Supply Chain Integration
Businesses integrated into supply chains
Corporate Partnerships
Corporate partnerships established
Partnerships
We actively collaborate with corporate procurement departments, government agencies, development organisations, financial institutions, and enterprise development programmes. Our partnership model focuses on measurable outcomes — not symbolic commitments.
Corporate Procurement Departments
Creating inclusive supplier ecosystems with measurable outcomes.
Government Agencies
Aligning with national development mandates and disability inclusion policy.
Development Organisations
Collaborating to amplify reach and deepen enterprise support.
Financial Institutions
Unlocking access to funding for disability-owned enterprises.
Get Involved
Become a Partner
Support enterprise development and inclusive economic participation.
Sponsor a Programme
Fund targeted initiatives that produce measurable results.
Volunteer or Mentor
Share your expertise to build stronger businesses.
Support an Entrepreneur
Help create economic independence through enterprise support.
Contact Us
Dumo Gqola Inclusive Enterprise Foundation
Email: info@dumogqolafoundation.org
Phone: +27 71 891 8765
Location: South Africa
"Economic inclusion is not charity, it is infrastructure."
- Dumo Gqola, Founder