NEF iMbewu Fund: start-up, franchise and procurement finance
National Empowerment Fund (NEF)
Loans and quasi-equity for black entrepreneurs starting a business, buying a franchise, or financing a signed tender or purchase order.
Amount
Deadline
Where
Who it is for
Sectors
iMbewu (Zulu for seed) is the NEF's early-stage fund. It has three windows: Entrepreneurship Finance for start-ups and young businesses, Franchise Finance for buying into established franchise brands, and Procurement Finance that funds the working capital behind a signed contract or purchase order from a government department or corporate.
Funding ranges from R250 000 to R15 million and is structured as debt, quasi-equity or a mix. The NEF looks for at least 50.1% black ownership, owner involvement, and a business that can repay from its own cash flows.
Who qualifies
At least 50.1% black-owned and managed; South African-registered; owner actively involved; viable plan; for Procurement Finance, a signed contract or order in hand.
How to apply
Apply online on nefcorp.co.za or at an NEF regional office. Call centre 0861 843 633.
Insly is not the funder and charges nothing. Amounts and rules are as published by National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and were last checked 15 Sept 2026; confirm on their site before applying. No legitimate funder charges an application fee.