All opportunities

Funding directory

Verified opportunities updated monthly. Always confirm deadlines and eligibility on the official source before applying.

All typesGrantsLoansRevenue-basedEquityBlended finance
All industriesBeauty and Personal Care

National Empowerment Fund (NEF)

National Empowerment Fund (NEF)

Open

R250 000 to R75 million

Development finance and equity funding for black-owned and black-managed businesses across all sectors. Offers a range of instruments including equity, quasi-equity, loans, and franchising finance. Prioritises businesses that expand black economic participation and create sustainable employment.

Women35+Blended finance

National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)

NYDA Grant Programme

Open

R1 000 to R250 000

Non-repayable grant for young South African entrepreneurs. Covers business equipment, tools, stock, and working capital. Complemented by business development support and mentorship. Aimed at youth aged 18 to 35.

YouthInformal eligibleGrant

Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA)

SEFA Direct Lending Programme

Open

R50 000 to R15 million

Development finance loans for small and medium enterprises and co-operatives that cannot access commercial bank credit. Covers working capital, asset finance, and bridging finance. Disbursed directly or through accredited financial intermediaries. Targets survivalist, micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Co-opLoan

Standard Bank

Standard Bank Kasi SME Pitch Challenge 2026

Seasonal

R1 million grand prize

Annual pitch competition for township-based businesses. R1 million grand prize plus mentorship and banking support. Open to any entrepreneur 18 or older - no upper age cap confirmed in official criteria.

35+Grant

Department of Small Business Development (DSBD)

Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme

Open

Amount varies by programme

Support for small businesses in township and rural areas operating in specific sectors including bakeries, butcheries, spaza shops, beauty and personal care, clothing, autobody repair, and cooked food businesses.

Blended finance

Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) / DSBD

TREP Sub-Sector Programmes (Bakeries, Butcheries, Tshisanyama, Spaza, Beauty, Clothing, Autobody)

Open

Up to R1 million

A suite of dedicated grant and loan packages for township and rural micro-enterprises across seven sub-sectors: small-scale bakeries, butcheries, tshisanyama and cooked food, spaza shops, beauty and personal care, clothing, and autobody repairers. Each sub-programme provides tailored equipment, working capital, and business support.

Informal eligibleBlended finance

Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)

Women Entrepreneurship Fund (IDC)

Open

R1 million to R30 million

IDC has earmarked approximately R9 billion to invest in women-led businesses. The fund supports women entrepreneurs across sectors with concessional finance, equity, and blended funding instruments.

WomenBlended finance