SEDFA direct business loans (R50 000 to R15 million)
SEDFA (Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency)
Term loans, working capital, asset finance and bridging finance for SMMEs and co-operatives in any sector, repaid over 12 to 60 months.
Amount
Deadline
Where
Who it is for
Sectors
SEDFA is the merged agency (the old sefa, Seda and the Co-operative Banks Development Agency) under the Department of Small Business Development. Its direct lending desk funds small and medium businesses and co-operatives from R50 000 up to R15 million, for working capital, equipment and vehicles, expansion, bridging finance against a signed contract or purchase order, and franchise fees.
Interest is prime-linked and repayment runs from 12 to 60 months depending on what the money buys. Below R500 000 SEDFA aims to decide within 21 days of a complete application. This is a loan, not a grant: expect a business plan, six months of bank statements, CIPC and SARS compliance, and a clear repayment story.
SEDFA also runs a wholesale channel through partner lenders and co-operative banks; if you are turned down directly, ask the regional office which intermediaries cover your area.
Who qualifies
Registered South African SMME or co-operative, majority SA-owned, CIPC-registered, SARS tax compliant, viable business plan and the ability to service the loan.
How to apply
Create an eThuse account and apply on the SEDFA SMME portal, or visit a SEDFA regional office. Call centre 0860 103 703, [email protected].
Insly is not the funder and charges nothing. Amounts and rules are as published by SEDFA (Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency) and were last checked 15 Sept 2026; confirm on their site before applying. No legitimate funder charges an application fee.