Most businesses need capital before they can really get going. As a small business owner, you generally need equipment, materials and stock, as well as money to pay salaries, rent, telephone, etc until your business becomes profitable. (Refer to Factsheets)
Additional links
Below are links that can be used to guide you in the decision of financing one’s business
Before you make an application for finance, talk to the lender about exactly what sort of information they require – so that you can get a response to your application as quickly as possible.
On this page you can search support programmes by the following categories:
- Tax Relief (PAYE, Provisional Tax and VAT)
- Loans (Operational expenses, wages, solvency)
- Grants (Bank and other loans to assist with wages and other expenses)
- Other Relief (Rentals, Interest, Speedpoint charges, Credit Card, Etc.)
TAX RELIEF
General Business
Type: All tax-compliant businesses
SOUTH AFRICAN REVENUE SERVICE
Website: https://www.sars.gov.za/Media/Pages/Tax-Relief-measures.aspx
What it does:
SARS may provide tax relief to assist in helping keep your workforce if you can show that your business has experienced difficulties due to Covid-19.
If your business qualifies, you will be allowed to delay 20% of your employees’ taxes until the end of July 2025 and a portion of your provisional corporate taxes (without penalties or interest) until September 2025.
Who qualifies:
1. Tax-compliant businesses
2. Businesses with a turnover of not more than R50 million
How to apply:
1. Register on http://www.smmesa.gov.za/
2. Complete online Application Form
3. Upload required supporting documents
LOANS
General Business
Type: Any
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Website: https://www.idc.co.za/2025/03/24/idc-interventions-in-response-to-covid-19/
What it does:
Provides financial assistance (loans, guarantees, finance) to many kinds of previous to COVID-19 successful South African SMMEs to pay debts or fund operating activities.
Who qualifies:
1. South African companies with annual turnover of R50-million or less
2. Companies must have been operating for at least 12 months.
3. Business recovery projected within 18 to 24 months.
4. No funding for bonuses or dividends.
5. Minimum need of R1 million.
6. Economic distress must be Covid-related, not due to mismanagement.
How to apply:
Apply online athttps://protected.idc.co.za/clientportal
Business
Type: All tax-compliant businesses
SMALL ENTERPRISE FINANCE AGENCY – DEBT RESTRUCTURING FACILITY
Website: http://www.smmesa.gov.za/
What it does:
Your business may receive a payment holiday for a maximum of six months to ease the burden of loan obligations.
Who qualifies:
1. CIPC-registered
2. 100% South African-owned
3. 70% employees in the business
4. Registered and compliant with SARS and UIF
5. Proof that business is negatively affected
6. Company statutory documents
7. FICA documents
8. Certified copies of directors’ IDs
9. Latest annual financial statements or management account statement not older than three months (where applicable)
10. Business profile
11. Six cash flow projections (where applicable )
12. Copy of lease agreement or proof of ownership if applying for rental relief
13. If applying for payroll relief, details of employees as registered with UIF including banking details
14. SMME employers who are not compliant with UIF must register before applying for relief
15. Facility statement or other funders
16. Detailed breakdown of application of funds including salaries, rent, etc.
How to apply:
1. Register onhttp://www.smmesa.gov.za/
2. Complete online Application Form
3. Upload required supporting documents
Business
Type: Retail
NATIONAL TREASURY
What it does:
Provides a loan to help your SMME with operational expenses – such as salaries, rent, lease agreements, contracts with suppliers, etc.
R100 billion initially, ramping up to R200 billion in new loans to existing customers.
Who qualifies:
1. Businesses in good standing with their commercial banks with an annual turnover of less than R300 million
2. Used for operational expenses such as salaries, rent and lease agreements, contracts with suppliers, etc.
3. Only one Covid-19 loan per business
4. A six-month repayment holiday will commence from the first drawdown, although interest will accumulate from the date on which the first drawdown on the loan occurs.
5. Repayment of interest and capital starts after six months and businesses have a maximum of 60 months to do so.
How to apply:
Apply at your bank
Wholesale and Retail
Type: Informal
SPAZA SHOPS AND GENERAL DEALERS SUPPORT SCHEME IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NEDBANK
Website: http://www.sefa.org.za/services/spazashopscheme
What it does:
1. Gives Spaza shops access to working capital and a guaranteed revolving credit facility.
2. Offers help with basic financial management. Financial/Business graduates will be assigned to give dedicated support to your business for 24 months.
3. Assists you with legal compliance requirements that may be necessary to participate.
Who qualifies:
1. 100%-owned by South African citizens
2. Employees must be 70% South Africans
3. Priority will be given to businesses owned by women, youth and people with disabilities
4. Registered and compliant with SARS and UIF
5. Proof that the business is negatively affected by COVID-19 pandemic
6. Company Statutory Documents
7. FICA documents
8. Certified copies of Directors’ IDs
9. Three-months’ bank statements
How to apply:
1. Apply online at
https://sefa.finfind.co.za/quiz/disclaimer?origin=SEFA&loginorreg=reg
2. Follow the steps to where funding needs will be matched to SEFA‘s financing instruments
Business
Type: Trust fund
SOUTH AFRICAN FUTURE TRUST
Website:https://saft.africa/smme-support/#how-saft-works
What it does:
SAFT gives loans to SMMEs fund if they qualify, (first come, first served) to help with cash flow.
Who qualifies:
1. Annual turnover below R25 million
2. Trading for at least 24 months
3. Sustainable business in good financial health
4. Business adversely impacted by Covid-19— with short-term cash flow constraints
How to apply:
Apply online at https://saft.africa/smme-support/#how-saft-works
Business
Type: Asset finance, growth finance, working capital
SPARTAN FINANCING
Website:https://www.spartan.co.za/funding-under-covid-19/
What it does:
Spartan offers customised financing for SMMEs, but not for start-ups and only for amounts greater than R500,000.
Who qualifies:
1. Small to mid-sized business in operation for three or more years
2. Minimum annual turnover of R10 million
3. Alternatively, an annual turnover between R5 million and R10 million, provided there is some current growth context such as a contract, project or acquisition
How to apply:
Apply online at https://www.spartan.co.za/online-application-form/
Business
Type: Retail
VODALEND
Website: https://www.vodacombusiness.co.za/business/solutions/fund-my-business
What it does:
This programme lends you money for moving offices, buying equipment or maintaining cash flow.
Who qualifies:
1. All businesses registered and operational for 12 consecutive months.
2. Must have good credit standing.
3. R500,000/year or R40,000/month turnover.
How to apply:
Apply online at https://vodalend.vodacombusiness.co.za/GetStarted
GRANTS
Wholesale and retail
Type: Informal
SMALL-SCALE BAKERIES AND CONFECTIONARIES BUSINESS SUPPORT SCHEME
Website: http://www.dsbd.gov.za/
What it does:
Assistance to purchase business equipment and provision of working capital if you operate an informal small-scale bakery or confectionery.
Who qualifies:
- Registered with CIPC as a legal entity including cooperatives;
- 100% owned by South African nationals
- Employees must be 70% South Africans, and in the case of non-South African employees they must hold valid work permits as determined by the Department of Home Affairs
- Must be operating in a township or village
- Must be registered or must apply for registration with SARS and UIF
- Must have a valid business bank account or willing to open a business account
How to apply:
Apply online at https://smmesa.gov.za/
Wholesale and retail
Type: Micro Clothing and textiles
SMALL-SCALE AND MICRO CLOTHING AND TEXTILE BUSINESS SUPPORT SCHEME FOR ENTERPRISES LOCATED IN TOWNSHIPS AND VILLAGES
Website: http://www.dsbd.gov.za/
What it does:
This offers you access to credit, assistance with compliance and technical skills improvement, and business and financial management training.
Who qualifies:
- Registered with CIPC as a legal entity including cooperatives;
- 100% owned by South African nationals
- Employees must be 70% South Africans, and in the case of non-South African employees they must hold valid work permits as determined by the Department of Home Affairs
- Must be operating in a township or village
- Must be registered or must apply for registration with SARS and UIF
- Must have a valid business bank account or willing to open a business account
How to apply:
Apply online at https://smmesa.gov.za/
Wholesale and Retail
Type: Automotive
AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKETS SUPPORT SCHEME
Website: http://www.dsbd.gov.za/
What it does:
If you are in the vehicle repair and service business, you could qualify for support. Specifically aimed at four categories:
a. qualified motor body repairers to operate accredited small/independent body repair centres;
b. qualified motor mechanics to operate authorized service centres;
c. small/independent auto-spares shops to serve as distributors of automotive aftermarket spare parts centres;
d. converting informal fitment centres into micro but formal fitment centres.
Who qualifies:
- Registered with CIPC as a legal entity including cooperatives;
- 100% owned by South African nationals
- Employees must be 70% South Africans, and in the case of non-South African employees they must hold valid work permits as determined by the Department of Home Affairs
- Must be operating in a township or village
- Must be registered or must apply for registration with SARS and UIF
- Must have a valid business bank account or willing to open a business account
How to apply:
Apply online at https://smmesa.gov.za/
Manufacturing
Type: Medical products
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (IDC) AND DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY (DTI)
Website: https://www.idc.co.za/2020/04/23/covid-19-special-edition-newsletter/
What it does:
Support for the manufacturing of essential medical products.
Who qualifies:
1. Companies that have a track record of manufacturing comparable products.
2. Must be capable of delivering on the contract in terms of capacity, resource and experience.
How to apply:
1. Draw up a well-researched business plan, stating a compelling case for funding
2. Register online (*applications can also be submitted at the IDC office)
3. Upload your application with the relevant documents, certificates and business plan
Transportation
Type: Tourism
Business
Type: Insurance
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE FUND
Website:http://www.labour.gov.za/easy-guide-for-employers-on-covid19
What it does:
Help UIF-compliant businesses affected by COVI-19 to pay salaries.
Who qualifies:
1. Any UIF-contributing business facing distress that is unable to pay salaries as a result of the lockdown period
2. Any employee who is a contributor (works more than 24 hours a month) and there is an employer-employee relationship
How to apply:
1. Go to https://uifecc.labour.gov.za/covid19/ and register
2. Complete all required information
Business
Type: Insurance
TEMPORARY EMPLOYEE/EMPLOYER RELIEF SCHEME
Website: http://www.labour.gov.za/
What it does:
Offers assistance if you have had to close your businesses due to the lockdown and can’t afford to pay your employees. It will cover your cash flow for up to three months—during the lockdown and also afterwards.
Who qualifies:
1. Companies who can prove that their businesses have been severely damaged by the coronavirus crisis.
2. Must already be registered with the UIF.
How to apply:
Send an email to Covid19ters@labour.gov.za. This will generate an automatic response outlining the application process.
Machinery, equipment
NATIONAL EMPOWERMENT FUND IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE DTIC
Website: https://www.nefcorp.co.za/covid-19-business-funding/
What it does:
Funding is limited to R10 million for black-owned SMEs. It will assist you with working capital, machinery and equipment and give you a 12-month payment break at 0% fixed rate; after 12 months the fixed rate will be 2.5% up to 60 months.
Who qualifies:
1. Registered company
2. Valid Tax Clearance certificate
3. Be a current and a registered supplier with retailers and other institutions in good standing or have a purchase order, contract or letter of intent
4. Minimum 50% black shareholding and management control
5. Minimum R500 000 in working capital, machinery and equipment
6. Must result in retaining and increasing employment or creating jobs
How to apply:
Complete online Application Form at https://www.nefcorp.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/NEF-COVID-19-Fund-Application-Form_Active-fields.pdf
Media
Type = Community-based
MEDIA DEVELOPMENT & DIVERSITY AGENCY
Website: https://www.mdda.org.za/
What it does:
If you are a fully licensed community broadcast project or a Community and Small Commercial Media (SCM) media project, you could receive funding in one of two categories:
a. For a community broadcast project, R50,000 to cover your rent/bond payments; salaries/stipends; telecommunications; and safety essentials.
b. For an SCM project, R20,000 to cover your content dissemination, telecommunications and safety essentials.
Who qualifies:
1. Must hold a valid licence from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa.
2. Provide months’ bank statements.
3. Not for online radio stations.
How to apply:
Apply online at https://www.mdda.org.za/small-commercial-application-form-ck5u
Youth-owned
Type = Community-based
YOUTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY SOUTH AFRICA
Website:https://youthbusinessfund.co.za/about-the-fund/
What it does:
For young people in businesses that are already affected by the corona virus pandemic. The Fund will assist youth entrepreneurs in managing their operational costs, paying labour costs, rental, etc.
Who qualifies:
1. South African citizens
2. Ages 18 to 35 years
3. Must already have an existing business
4. All youth businesses can apply but informal traders are particularly encouraged
How to apply:
Apply online at https://youthbusinessfund.co.za/how-to-apply/
Food service
Type = Restaurants, community-based
EAT OUT RESTAURANT RELIEF FUND
Website:https://help.eatout.co.za/request_funding
What it does:
If you run a restaurant affected by Covid-19, the fund will support you in reopening your kitchen to create meals for the needy in their communities, or to supply feeding schemes.
Who qualifies:
1. Registered businesses within the restaurant and food industry that are operating and supplying meals to the community from their on-site kitchens.
2. Essential Service permit holders
3. In good standing with SARS
4. Able to state how many meals you can produce per day, and at what cost
5. Own approved distribution channel to deliver food, or in partnership with another company or NGO that has a valid permit
6. PPE equipment and safety measures in place
7. Operating for at least one business financial year
How to apply:
Apply online at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_AILdq3fhv_Jbk8LPYh_lU5Ok5Dg9wX1y537BqPNAE wmXw/viewform
Youth-owned
Type = Community-based
PEACE FIRST
Website: https://www.peacefirst.org/covid-19
What it does:
A grant to help young people around the world lead projects that address the community impacts of COVID-19, from providing mini-grants and meals to elderly neighbours, to launching digital mental health campaigns to support youth feeling isolated.
Who qualifies:
Grants are open to young people between the ages of 13-25 anywhere.
How to apply:
Apply online at https://forms.gle/JjxcPdUHMTpCcttR7
Information and communication
Type = Community-based
RELIEF
Real estate activities
Type = Retail
PROPERTY INDUSTRY GROUP
What it does:
Assists large retail tenants hardest hit by the Covid-19 lockdown. Relief package is estimated between R2 billion and R3 billion and aims to avoid retrenching staff during the relief period.
Who qualifies:
1. Retail tenants in good standing at February 29, 2020.
2. Retailers in office or industrial parks.
3. Not for rates and taxes, utilities and insurance.
4. Annual turnover of less than R80 million.
How to apply:
Approach individual landlords
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.