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Funding · South Africa

Business grants

A grant is funding you do not repay. In South Africa most grants come from government agencies and are tied to a purpose: youth-owned businesses, manufacturing, exports, technology, or particular sectors.

Grants are competitive and slow, and usually cover only part of a cost. Be very careful of anyone asking for a fee to "unlock" a grant — real government funders do not charge you to apply.

Who funds this

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

  • 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 ↗

  • 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 ↗

Companies that can help

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

  1. Infinite ConsultingFunding★ 4.8 from 4 reviews · verified · complete profile
  2. Bradley LandscapingJohannesburg · Business Funding★ 4.8 from 4 reviews · verified · complete profile
  3. Knife CapitalCape Town · Fundingverified · complete profile
  4. Sparrows AccountingCenturion · Business Fundingverified · complete profile
  5. Aurik BusinessJohannesburg · Business Fundingcomplete profile
  6. Business Partners LimitedJohannesburg · Fundingcomplete profile
  7. Escrow ServicesPretoria · Fundingcomplete profile
  8. Gezanimax ConsultingJohannesburg · Fundingcomplete profile
  9. O'Reilly Law IncCape Town · Fundingcomplete profile
  10. LesedingPretoria · Business Fundingcomplete profile

By town: Johannesburg · Centurion · Pretoria

Common questions

Are there grants for small businesses in South Africa?

Yes, but they are targeted. The NYDA offers grants to young entrepreneurs, the dtic runs incentive schemes for manufacturers, exporters and women-owned businesses, and TIA funds technology innovation. General-purpose grants are rare.

How do I spot a grant scam?

Real funders never ask you to pay a fee to apply or to release funding, and they do not approach you on WhatsApp. Apply only through the funder's own website.

Do I have to repay a grant?

No — but you must use it for the agreed purpose and report on it. Misusing grant money can mean paying it back.

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