Image by @Kasi Images

As an SMME in Alexandra Township, securing funding is crucial for the growth and sustainability of your business.

I understand the challenges you face, and I'm here to help. I've had the opportunity to benefit from government funding when I started out in 2011. One of the funding agencies that supported me was Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP), located at the AlexSan Kopano Centre on 12th Avenue back then.

Additionally, I applied for pitching competitions hosted by the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and sought a marketing material voucher from NYDA. Although I was declined the NYDA voucher due to my business being in marketing, I believe it's important to share these opportunities with fellow SMMEs. Below, I've listed some agencies and links to help you and others in the community access funding opportunities. Let's support each other in growing our businesses.

Will I qualify if I've just started my business?

Don't count yourselves out, everyone. Go ahead and apply. They will inform you of any additional information they require. If you don't have it, ask for help. There are funds allocated to help grow your business—all you have to do is apply and submit your documents."

Here are the 9 Government agencies offering funding:

1. The Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP)

promotes, fosters and develops small enterprises in Gauteng thereby implementing the policy of the Gauteng Provincial Government for small enterprise development. 

The Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) offers various types of funding to support entrepreneurs and small businesses in Gauteng, South Africa. Some of the funding options offered by GEP include:

• Seed Capital Funding
• Business Development Support Funding
• Co-operative Incentive Scheme Funding
• Informal and Micro Enterprise Development Program Funding
• Women Entrepreneurial Fund
• Youth Entrepreneurial Fund
• Township Entrepreneurial Fund

These funding options are designed to provide financial support and assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses at different stages of development. I recommend visiting their official website or contacting them directly. Feel free to ask! Tel: 087 057 2000

Apply

2. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC)

provides grant funding to qualifying businesses from a range of sectors aimed at development. 

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) offers various funding services to support businesses in South Africa. Some of the funding services offered by DTIC include:

• Incentive Schemes: DTIC provides various incentive schemes to support businesses in different sectors, such as manufacturing, agro-processing, and export-oriented industries.
• Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA): This program provides financial assistance to South African exporters in developing new export markets and promoting South African products and services internationally.
• Black Industrialists Scheme: The Black Industrialists Scheme aims to support black-owned businesses in the manufacturing sector by providing financial support for capital investment and operational costs.
• Sector-Specific Funds: DTIC offers sector-specific funds to support businesses in key sectors such as automotive, clothing and textiles, and information and communication technology (ICT).
• Manufacturing Competitiveness Enhancement Program (MCEP): This program provides financial support to manufacturers in South Africa to improve their competitiveness and productivity.

These are just a few examples of the funding services offered by DTIC. Each funding service has specific criteria, application processes, and funding amounts. It's important for businesses to carefully review the details of each funding service to determine the best fit for their needs. I recommend visiting their official website or contacting them directly. Feel free to ask! Tel: 0861 843 384

Apply

3. Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)

offers multiple funds supporting start-ups and existing businesses, who need capital for equipment, working capital and building.

Development Corporation (IDC) is known for providing financing and support to various industries in South Africa. The IDC offers funding for projects in sectors such as

• Agro-processing,
• Mining and minerals beneficiation,
• Manufacturing, and
• Tourism

They also provide funding for black industrialists, women entrepreneurs, and youth-owned businesses.

For the most current and specific information on funding offered by the IDC, I recommend visiting their official website or contacting them directly. Feel free to ask! Tel: 0860 693 888

Apply

4. Isivande Women's Fund

is an exclusive women’s fund provided to empower women with existing businesses. With funding, education and training, the fund aims to accelerate women’s economic empowerment with affordable, usable and reliable finance.

They offer the following services to empower women with existing businesses:

• Funding: Providing financial support to women entrepreneurs to help grow their businesses.
• Education and Training: Offering educational programs and training to equip women with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in business.
• Economic Empowerment: Accelerating women's economic empowerment through affordable, usable, and reliable finance.

These services are designed to support and empower women in their entrepreneurial endeavors. If you need more information or assistance with any specific service, feel free to ask! Tel: 0861 843 384

Apply

5. Land Bank

offers a wide range of loans for all financial needs like buying land, equipment and working capital for agricultural projects. As part of the application you will need a business plan.

The Land Bank offers a variety of funding services, including loans for different financial needs such as

• Purchasing land,
• Equipment, and
• Working capital for agricultural projects

As part of the application process, a business plan will be required. If you need more information about specific funding services offered by the Land Bank, feel free to ask! Tel: 0800 00 52 59

Apply

6. Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa)

The SEFA was founded in 2012 and has access to R1.4 billion in funding given by IDC and the Government for South African small businesses over the next three years.

The Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) offers various funding services to support small businesses in South Africa. Some of the funding services offered by SEFA include:

• Business Loans: SEFA provides business loans to small enterprises to support their growth and development.
• Asset Finance: SEFA offers asset finance to help small businesses acquire the necessary equipment and assets they need to operate and expand.
• Bridging Finance: SEFA provides bridging finance to assist small businesses with short-term funding needs.
• Working Capital Finance: SEFA offers working capital finance to help small businesses manage their day-to-day operational expenses.
• Franchise Finance: SEFA provides finance for small businesses looking to invest in franchise opportunities.
• Term Loans: SEFA offers term loans with flexible repayment terms to support small business initiatives.

These are some of the funding services offered by SEFA to support small enterprises in South Africa. If you're interested in learning more about specific funding options or eligibility criteria, visit their website or feel free to call! Tel: 012 748 9600

Apply

7. National Empowerment Fund (the NEF)

NEF aim to support B-BEEE and previously disadvantaged individuals and communities in their business ventures. NEF offers funding for start ups and expansion as a loan, equity funding.

The NEF offers a range of funding options to support various sectors and initiatives.

• The Alternative Energy Solutions Funding is aimed at helping black businesses install green energy solutions, contributing to the reduction of load shedding's impact.
• The Women Empowerment Fund focuses on providing funding to businesses owned by black women, while
• The iMbewu Fund supports black entrepreneurs in starting new businesses and expanding existing enterprises. Additionally,
• The uMnotho Fund aims to improve access to BEE capital through various products, and
• The Rural, Township & Community Development Fund promotes sustainable change in social and economic relations, supporting growth and development in the rural economy.
• The Strategic Projects Fund's sector focus aligns with government strategies on industrial development, and
• The Arts & Culture Venture Capital Fund promotes the development of the arts and culture sector through affordable loans. Lastly,
• The Tourism Transformation Fund drives transformation in the tourism sector and supports the growth of black-owned tourism enterprises.

These funds reflect NEF's commitment to supporting a diverse range of initiatives, from renewable energy solutions to arts and culture development and rural economic growth. Each fund is tailored to address specific needs within its respective sector, contributing to economic empowerment and sustainable development.

If you need more information or assistance with any specific service, feel free to ask! Tel:  0861 843 633 / 0861 (THE NEF)

Apply

8. The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)

The TIA was established in 2008. Their objectives are stimulating and intensifying technological innovation in order to improve economic growth. Their goal is to increase the quality of life of all South Africans by developing and exploiting technological innovations.

The TIA offers various funding services to support technological innovation and economic growth in South Africa. Some of the funding services offered by TIA include:

• Seed Fund: TIA provides seed funding to support early-stage technology innovations and startups.
• Technology Development Fund: This fund supports the development and commercialization of innovative technologies.
• Youth Technology Innovation Fund: TIA offers funding to support youth-led technology innovation projects and initiatives.
• Technology Stations Programme: TIA supports the establishment and operation of technology stations that provide technology development and innovation support to industry.
• Innovation Skills Development Programme: TIA offers funding for programs aimed at developing innovation skills and capabilities.

These are some of the funding services offered by the Technology Innovation Agency to stimulate and intensify technological innovation in South Africa. Feel free to ask! Tel:  012 472 2700

Apply

9. The Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda)

is an agency of the South African government that provides non-financial support to small enterprises in South Africa. It was established in December 2004 through the National Small Business Amendment Act of 2004. Seda aims to promote and develop small enterprises, and it offers a range of services to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and sustain their businesses.

Seda offers various funding services to support small enterprises in South Africa. Some of the funding services provided by Seda include:

• Access to Finance: Seda assists small businesses in accessing finance by providing information and guidance on available funding options, such as government grants, loans, and other financial support programs.
• Financial Management Support: The agency offers support and training in financial management, helping small business owners to effectively manage their finances and access financial resources.
• Business Development Support: Seda provides assistance in developing business plans and financial projections, which are essential for accessing funding from banks, investors, and other financial institutions.
• Referral to Funding Partners: Seda can refer small businesses to funding partners, including banks, venture capital firms, and other financial institutions, to help them secure the necessary capital for business growth.

These funding services are designed to help small enterprises overcome financial barriers and access the resources they need to start, expand, and sustain their businesses. Feel free to ask more info! Tel:  0860 103 703

Apply

I wish you all well on your applications and hope that these opportunities will contribute to the success of your businesses. Let's continue to support and uplift each other in our entrepreneurial endeavors. Please share this link with as many people in business as you know. Good luck to all the aspiring entrepreneurs!