Articles / Funding

Grants for co-operatives

Grants, loans, incentives and competitions from government, development financiers, foundations and corporates. Amounts and eligibility as published by the funder; every card links to the funder's own application page. 34 programmes listed.

  • Grant

    Co-operatives Development Support Programme (CDSP)

    Department of Small Business Development / SEDFA

    Grant capped at R2.5 million, plus a loan where needed

    Grant funding for registered co-operatives with five or more members, for equipment, working capital, training and compliance. Applications open in windows; the last one closed 20 March 2026.

    Co-operativesTownship & rural

Grants are rare, loans are not

Most "government funding" is a loan or a cost-sharing incentive. True grants (NYDA, BBSDP, TIA seed, foundations) are competitive and paid to suppliers, not to you.

Get the paperwork first

CIPC registration, a SARS tax compliance pin, a business bank account, six months of statements and three quotations per item. Incomplete packs are the main reason for rejection.

Never pay to apply

No funder on this page charges an application fee. Anyone asking for a "processing fee" for NYDA, SEDFA or dtic money is a scam. Read our 2026 funding guide.