Building Better Futures
Fix Forward is a non-profit enterprise development organisation working in South Africa's construction and built environment sector since 2012 - supporting young entrepreneurs from low-income communities to build sustainable businesses and create jobs.
A more just and equal society
Our Mission
Fix Forward exists to develop entrepreneurs in the construction sector. We provide an ecosystem of support for entrepreneurs from under-resourced communities, equipping them with the skills, support, and capital to succeed.
Our Reach
Operating since 2012, Fix Forward has grown from a single pilot programme in Cape Town to a national organisation active across five provinces.
Our corporate partners include Nedbank, and our collaborators include Impact Hub Cape Winelands and Stellenbosch University
Growing Our Reach
2012
Fix Forward founded by Joshua Cox
2014
Ran first pilot training programme, in partnership with The Business Place, Philippi
2016
Developed in-house entrepreneur development programme, focused on training, coaching and mentoring
2018
Became an enterprise development partner of Nedbank; expanded operations into Gauteng
2021
Launched into KwaZulu-Natal and North West province, piloting a programme supporting TVET graduates
2025
Scaled up the TVET programme to reach 300 graduates across 3 provinces
2026
Launched the Circular Cement Youth Entrepreneurship Programme, in collaboration with Impact Hub Cape Winelands
Impact at Scale
Provinces of Operation
From large urban townships to small rural communities.
Entrepreneurs Supported
Builders and business owners in the construction trades.
New Jobs Created
Employment generated through the entrepreneurs supported by Fix Forward
Our Programmes
Fix Forward runs two flagship programmes, each designed to equip young entrepreneurs in the construction sector with the skills, support, and capital to build sustainable businesses.
From Trade Graduate to Business Owner
The TVET Young Entrepreneur Programme is a 2-year programme for construction trade graduates under 35. It covers business training, coaching, compliance support, and access to seed capital — everything a young entrepreneur needs to formalise and grow a construction business.
Using Industrial Waste for Quality Cement Products
In the Circular Cement Programme participants are trained to produce cement-based products use industrial waste to as an alternative to cement — a practical, market-ready skill that addresses both environmental impact and construction costs. The programme combines technical training with enterprise development support, preparing entrepreneurs to launch and grow their own brick-making businesses.
The programme is a collaboration between Fix Forward, Impact Hub Cape Winelands and University of Stellenbosch.
Aligned With Global Goals
Fix Forward's work formally aligns with six United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, reflecting our commitment to systemic, measurable change in South Africa's communities.
SDG 1 — No Poverty
Supporting entrepreneurs from low-income communities to build financial independence.
SDG 8 — Decent Work & Economic Growth
Creating over 2,500 jobs and growing sustainable construction businesses.
SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
Driving innovation in construction materials and built environment practices.
SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities & Communities
Building resilient, inclusive communities through enterprise development.
SDG 12 — Responsible Consumption & Production
Training brickmakers to produce waste-based, cement-reduced building materials.
SDG 13 — Climate Action
Reducing construction's carbon footprint through sustainable material innovation.
Let's Build Something Together
Whether you're a funder, corporate partner, prospective programme participant, non-profit working this space, or simply want to learn more — we'd love to hear from you.
Contact us on info@fixforward.com