Funding
Fund your business
Loans, grants, investors and finance for South African small businesses — who funds what, where to apply, and the people who help you get ready. Terms change, so we link to each funder’s own site rather than quote amounts.
Where to apply
The public and long-standing funders of South African business. Checked October 2026.
Loans
SEDFA
Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency
For small and medium businesses and co-operatives
Government's small-business lender and support agency — loans, credit guarantees and business development support. Formed in 2024 from SEFA, SEDA and the Co-operative Banks Development Agency.
The old sefa.org.za and seda.org.za sites are retired.
Apply at SEDFA ↗Grants
NYDA
National Youth Development Agency
For young entrepreneurs, 18–35
Grants for youth-owned businesses, after a free business management course.
Apply at NYDA ↗Blended
NEF
National Empowerment Fund
For black-owned and black-managed businesses
Loans and equity for starting, expanding and buying businesses, under the B-BBEE Act.
Apply at NEF ↗Blended
IDC
Industrial Development Corporation
For manufacturing, mining, agro-processing and other productive sectors
Development finance for industrial projects and expansions, usually larger amounts.
Apply at IDC ↗Incentives
the dtic
Department of Trade, Industry and Competition
For manufacturers, exporters, black industrialists, women-owned businesses
Incentive schemes and cost-sharing grants, including the Isivande Women's Fund.
Apply at the dtic ↗Blended
Land Bank
For farmers and agribusiness
Agricultural finance, including blended loan-and-grant schemes for black producers.
Some schemes pause new applications — check what is open.
Apply at Land Bank ↗Grants
TIA
Technology Innovation Agency
For technology start-ups and innovators
Funding to take research and technology from prototype towards market.
Apply at TIA ↗Loans
Business Partners Limited
For formal small and medium businesses
A specialist private lender and investor for SMEs — loans, property finance and equity.
Apply at Business Partners Limited ↗
Funding companies
Lenders, financiers and funding advisers on Business.co.za — ranked by what customers rated them, then verified and complete profiles. Nobody pays to be higher.
- Infinite ConsultingFunding★ 4.8 from 4 reviews · verified · complete profile
- Bradley LandscapingJohannesburg · Business Funding★ 4.8 from 4 reviews · verified · complete profile
- LulaLendCape Town · Loans, Business Loansverified · complete profile
- Knife CapitalCape Town · Financing, Fundingverified · complete profile
- candystick.co.zaCape Town · Crowdfundingverified · complete profile
- Silvertree HoldingsInvestingverified · complete profile
- Sparrows AccountingCenturion · Business Fundingverified · complete profile
- Mr Cash Loans | Loans onlineLoansverified · complete profile
- Meridian FinanceFinancingverified · complete profile
- Chalk StudioInvestingverified · complete profile
- Addendum Financial TechnologiesCape Town · Fundingcomplete profile
- AirvantageSandton · Financingcomplete profile
By town: Cape Town
Guides
How to get ready, choose the right funding and apply.
- Webinar - Accessing Funding Relief for BusinessWesgro
- Development finance and public supportContent Agency
- Applying for fundingContent Agency
- Investing outside the businessContent Agency
- Buying your premisesContent Agency
- Retirement when you own the businessContent Agency
- Investing in your own businessContent Agency
- What to do with surplus cashContent Agency
Questions about funding
Asked by business owners, answered by people who do this work.
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Common questions
Where can a small business get funding in South Africa?
From government and development funders (SEDFA, NYDA, NEF, IDC, the dtic, Land Bank, TIA), from banks and specialist SME lenders such as Business Partners, from investors, and through invoice and asset finance. Which fits depends on your stage, sector and ownership.
What do funders ask for?
Almost always: a business plan, financial statements or management accounts, bank statements, proof of registration, SARS tax compliance and up-to-date CIPC returns.
Do I have to pay to apply for funding?
No. Real funders do not charge application or release fees. Anyone asking you to pay to unlock funding is very likely running a scam.
What is the difference between a loan, a grant and equity?
A loan is repaid with interest. A grant is not repaid but is tied to a purpose. Equity is exchanged for a share of the business.