A key focus of the post-school system is to enable individuals to earn sustainable livelihoods through self-employment or establishing a company or co-operative.

It is for this reason the NSF also funds the education and training of learners that contribute towards other key government priorities and initiatives, which include, among others, supporting national programmes such as providing skills development through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC) programme, skills development aimed specifically at growing small medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and cooperatives, as well as community-based skills development initiatives. 

In building the skills base of SMMEs and cooperatives, NSF is also leveraging the partnership agreement between with the DHET and Department of Small Business Development, through its agency, Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda). 

The Basic Entrepreneurial Skills Development (BESD) Programme being implemented by the Seda is one of the entrepreneurial programmes supported by the NSF. The BESD programme seeks to enable owners of micro enterprises to improve their prospects for sustainable self-employment in the informal economy. The programme aims to increase the sustainability of micro-enterprises through improved income generation and job creation prospects.  

Further, NSF RFPs for rural skills development programmes are mainly administered through contracted SMMEs, cooperatives, community-based organisations and non-governmental organisations.