Blended (part grant, part loan)Development finance institution

Tourism Transformation Fund: 50% grant, 50% loan up to R5 million

National Empowerment Fund with the Department of Tourism

Blended funding for black-owned tourism businesses buying, building or expanding guesthouses, lodges, tour operations and attractions.

Amount

Up to R5 million: half grant, half loan at concessionary rates

Deadline

Rolling: apply any time

Where

National

Who it is for

Tourism & hospitality, Black-owned, Small businesses

Sectors

Accommodation, tour operators, attractions, hospitality

The Tourism Transformation Fund pairs a Department of Tourism grant with an NEF loan so that black entrepreneurs can enter or grow in the tourism industry. Packages go up to R5 million, split roughly half grant and half loan at concessionary rates, for acquisitions, expansions and new developments.

It suits guesthouses, lodges, backpackers, tour operators, adventure and cultural attractions. Expect a viability assessment and a site visit; grading with the Tourism Grading Council helps.

Who qualifies

At least 51% black-owned tourism business; registered and tax compliant; trading history preferred; project must add capacity or jobs.

How to apply

Apply on nefcorp.co.za under the Tourism Transformation Fund; the Department of Tourism publishes application windows.

Apply on the funder's site

Insly is not the funder and charges nothing. Amounts and rules are as published by National Empowerment Fund with the Department of Tourism and were last checked 15 Sept 2026; confirm on their site before applying. No legitimate funder charges an application fee.

Tourism Transformation Fund: 50% grant, 50% loan up to R5 million | National Empowerment Fund with the Department of Tourism | Insly Funding