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.
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.
National Empowerment Fund (NEF)
R1 000 000 – R50 000 000
Funding for community-owned and township businesses, co-operatives and rural projects that create jobs where they are most needed.
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.
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.
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.
