J29 started with one question from a business owner: where do I even begin? Today we give owners free, checked help and paid work when they are ready, and we run programmes for the organisations that fund them, with proof built in.
We kept meeting brilliant business owners who had the drive, the ideas, and the hustle, but no clear path into the digital economy. The talent was there. The opportunity wasn't.
We saw the gap. Thousands of entrepreneurs with ambition but no digital roadmap. We knew there had to be a simpler way to bridge the divide.
We created three practical pillars, Learn, Grow, Get Online, designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are and walk with them until they're ready to lead.
Today, we partner with corporates and MSME support organisations to scale our proven model, reaching more businesses, more communities, more futures.
Founder and Managing Member
More than 20 years in corporate, the last eight leading supplier and enterprise development programmes at Absa.
Locally, Erwin launched the Absa Centre of Entrepreneurship in Johannesburg. Internationally, Erwin was part of the team behind the London International Trade Bridge with Anglia Ruskin University, helping South African entrepreneurs reach UK markets.
In 2019 Erwin founded J29 to help MSMEs learn, grow and get online.
“I connect growth stage entrepreneurs to corporate supply chains, markets, funding and practical digital and AI tools.”
To get 1 million MSMEs online and growing with AI by 2033. We aim to become the go to digital transformation partner for small businesses, youth, and the organisations that champion their growth across Africa and beyond.
To make digital transformation simple and accessible for MSMEs, through hands on learning, personalised mentorship, and practical digital solutions, while giving corporates and MSME support organisations a proven delivery partner they can trust.
Three simple pillars that work together, whether you're growing your own business or supporting thousands of MSMEs.
Get hands on with digital marketing, AI tools, and business fundamentals. Our practical workshops give you skills you can apply to your business from day one.
One on one mentoring that meets you where you are. Our 3-Month Sprint and 6-Month Accelerate programmes walk alongside you with a proven framework until you're ready to lead.
From websites to social media and AI, we build your digital presence so customers can find you online. You focus on running your business, we handle the tech.
These aren't just words on a wall. They shape how we show up for every business owner, every partner, every day.
We stay curious and keep evolving. Innovation isn't about complexity. It's about finding smarter, more accessible ways to help businesses grow.
No jargon, no overthinking. We use clear language, straightforward processes, and solutions you can actually implement without a manual.
We measure success by your success. Honest conversations, full transparency, and measurable outcomes that actually move your business forward.
When we say we'll do something, we do it. Every project gets our full commitment. No excuses, no half measures.
Passion fuels everything we do. It shows in how we train, how we mentor, and how we celebrate every business milestone alongside you.
Whether you're an MSME ready to grow, or an organisation looking to support them, we're ready when you are.
Get In TouchWe believe doing business well and doing good are the same thing. Our commitments run across the environment, our communities, gender equality and ethical governance, aligned to recognised global and South African frameworks.
A digital first business with a light footprint. We cut paper, energy and travel, choose responsible cloud providers and recycle electronic equipment at end of life.
We widen access to the digital economy, prioritising youth, women and township and rural businesses, and we report honestly on the outcomes we create.
Women into leadership and skilled roles, equal pay for equal work, and women owned MSMEs prioritised in the programmes we run.
Honesty and accountability. Zero tolerance for bribery and corruption, POPIA and PAIA compliant, and full compliance with South African law.
J29's signatory application has been submitted. We are committed to gender equality in our own team, the suppliers we choose and the entrepreneurs we support.
