The mission of the Small Enterprise Foundation (SEF) is poverty alleviation in South Africa. It strives towards this mission primarily through the provision of enterprise microcredit to women living in poor, rural communities.

SEF employs a group-based lending methodology. Potential members form themselves into groups of five, which are rigorously tested before they are officially recognised. Upon recognition groups are eligible to apply for loans, which they collectively guarantee. Typical enterprises include hawkers of fruits and vegetables and new or used clothing, small convenience shops, and dressmakers.