Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can join the Nkuliso Agri-Retail Hub?

• Anyone passionate about entrepreneurship, agriculture, processing, retail, or community development can join.
  We welcome individuals, youth, women, men and groups from all provinces across South Africa.

2. Do I need to have business experience to join?

• No. You don’t need prior business experience.
  The program includes training and mentorship to equip you with the necessary business, retail, and financial management skills to successfully run your Hub.

3. How many people are needed to form a group?

• Each group must have 10 members to register a co-operative under the Nkuliso Agri-Retail Hub.

4. What are the costs involved?

• It is Free to join the program. However, each group contributes a small once-off fee towards the registration of their company or co-operative. This is paid before the group can start with the program.

4.1 Why do I contribute?

• Your contribution is for your business setup (co-operative registration and other compliance admin), not for training tuition.

5. What will I receive after joining?

• Qualified and active groups will receive:
• Cooperative business registration support
• Access to practical training and mentorship
• Supply and distribution linkages
• A containerized retail yard stocked with essential goods
• Continuous enterprise development support

6. Where are the Nkuliso Agri-Retail Hubs located?

• The program operates nationwide online, covering all 9 provinces and all municipalities.
  Each group will operate its retail yard (shop) within its local community to serve nearby households, farmers and producers/ agro-processors.

7. How long does it take to complete the process?

• The program runs for 12 months online with practical activities done by the groups and also with a face to face MarketZone Wholesale and Agri-Retail Roadshow series of events for the groups to participate in.

8. Is this a government or SETA-funded program?

• No it is not a government or SETA- funded program. It is a private Agri-Retail Entrepreneurs and Enterprise Development initiative by Nkuliso Brands (Pty) Ltd.
  However, the program aligns with national goals for enterprise development, job creation, and local economic development.

9. Can existing small business owners or spaza shop owners join?

• Yes! Existing business owners can join to expand their product range, acquire experience, formalize their operations, or partner in supply and distribution through the Agri-Retail Hub.

10. Will l get a qualification?

• You’ll receive a Non-Accredited Certificate of Participation, but more importantly, yoư’ll exit with a business, not just paper credentials.

11. Will l be doing classroom work?

• No. Most tasks are practical, field-based, and business-oriented, done from home, your community, or during group activities. Note: All teams are encouraged to meet always.

12. Is there a stipend or salary or will l earn income during the program?

• There is no stipend or salary. But Yes, during your marketing and retail practicals you could earn income from sales exercises, this is not a stipend and will be dependent on team and individual performance. It will differ from one team or participant to another.

13. What happens after the program?

• You’ll continue operating your own business with mentorship and may receive a containerized retail yard to expand your operations.

14. Is the program Legal

• Yes it is legal, owned and managed by Nkuliso Brands (Pty) Ltd a company registered under the South African Companies Act and its registration is administered by the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). Registration Number: 2024/818740/07.

15. When did the program start.

• Nkuliso Agri-Retail Hub was launched and started officially in September, and the first sessions started in October 2025, with a group of over 500 participants who all paid their contributions for Cooperative business registration and other compliance admin processes

16. How can I apply?

• You can apply online using the Join the Hub Application Form on this website, or contact us via:
  📧 info@nkulisobrands.co.za or WhatsApp: 📞 067 323 7189 during office hours, 9am to 4pm