Doing our bit to grow SA

Standard Bank is proud to be #MoreThanABank. This is why we get involved in initiatives that support the arts, sport and community upliftment. Our contribution to the development of sporting programmes has helped elevate the role of sports in Africa’s story. Plus, thirty years of investing in the arts has helped shape the African cultural calendar. 

Sports Sponsorship 

Protea Cricket
Standard Bank is the proud sponsor of the Proteas, South Africa’s national cricket team. This sponsorship represents our passion for sport, and shows our love for country. It, furthermore, embodies the South African spirit of perseverance. 
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From Bud to Blom Programme
Standard Bank also supports the Bud to Bloom programme. Bud to Bloom sees talented young cricketers mentored through Regional Performance Centres (RPC). Each RPC has qualified coaches, management structures and facilities to help budding cricketers grow. These RPCs partner with local feeder systems and governments to assist disadvantaged players reach their potential.

Arts and Culture Sponsorship

National Arts Festival 
The National Arts Festival is Africa’s largest gathering of artists and art lovers. The festival showcases work in dance, theatre, music, performing art and visual art and inlcudes artists and audiences from South Africa and beyond. A recent study by the Rhodes University Economics Department reported the festival to be a significant driver of the economy of the City of Makhanda and the Eastern Cape Province where it is hosted.

 
The Standard Bank Gallery 
The Standard Bank Gallery exhibits the work of the crème de la crème of the local art world. On occasion, the gallery hosts major international shows and the annual exhibition for the Standard Bank Young Artisit of the Year Award is held there.

Standard Bank Joy of Jazz
Every year, Standard Bank brings together jazz heavyweights for the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival. Through annual showcases and music development programmes and workshops, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival has contributed to a cultural exchange between artists, resulting in many international performers collaborating with their local counterparts. 

Emerging Business Sponsorship 

Standard Bank proudly sponsors entrepreneurial endevours that drive innovation and employment. In 2018, we offered young entreprenuers a year's salary to pursue their side businesses through the My Fearless Next campaign. In addition, Standard Bank launched two incubators for entrepreneurs that go beyond business training to provide market access and prototyping support, ensuring the sustainability of the business ventures.

Education and Training Sponsorship

SingularityU 
Singularity University is a global learning and innovation community that uses exponential technologies to tackle the world’s biggest challenges. Standard Bank partnered with SingularityU in 2018 to encourage more technological innovation in Africa and inspire the use of technology to drive our continent forward. “At Standard Bank, we believe that technology inspires great things for Africa. It can inspire more graduates; solutions to our water crisis; new sources of renewable energy; and even a cashless future.”