Funding · South Africa

Government funding

South Africa's development finance institutions exist to fund businesses that banks often will not: start-ups, black-owned businesses, youth, rural and township enterprises, and productive sectors like manufacturing and agriculture.

Each funder has its own mandate. Find the one whose mandate fits your business before you apply — it is the single biggest factor in whether your application goes anywhere.

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 ↗
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 ↗