Funding · South Africa

Business loans

A business loan is money you borrow and repay with interest over an agreed term. Banks, development finance institutions and specialist SME lenders all lend to small businesses, each with different appetites for risk.

Lenders look at how long you have traded, your cash flow, what security you can offer and whether your tax and company records are in order. A start-up with no trading history usually finds development funders and specialist lenders more open than banks.

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 ↗
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 ↗

Companies that can help

Ranked by what customers rated them, verified status and complete profiles — never by payment.

By town: Cape Town · Berlin

Common questions

Can a new business get a loan?

It is harder without a trading history. Development funders such as SEDFA and specialist SME lenders are usually more open to early-stage businesses than banks, especially with a sound business plan and some of your own money in it.

What do lenders ask for?

Typically a business plan, recent financial statements or management accounts, bank statements, proof of company registration, tax compliance, and details of any security or guarantees.

Do I need collateral?

Not always. Some lenders secure loans against assets, some against personal suretyship, and some development funders offer credit guarantees. Ask each lender what security they need before you apply.

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