Funding · South Africa

Funding for black-owned businesses

The National Empowerment Fund (NEF) was set up to finance black-owned and black-managed businesses, from start-ups to acquisitions and expansions. Other development funders also prioritise black ownership.

Your B-BBEE status matters: have your certificate or EME affidavit ready, and make sure your ownership structure is documented properly before you apply.

Who funds this

Public and long-standing funders whose mandate fits. Checked October 2026 — confirm current criteria on their own sites.

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 ↗
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 ↗