Funding matched to your growth stage

Amount determined per milestone phase

A milestone-based grant programme for young South African entrepreneurs, launched 26 June 2026. AYEF provides phased, non-repayable grant funding — no repayment, no equity taken. Open to entrepreneurs from idea stage and informal traders through to established small businesses. Funded through a partnership between Absa and the Tshiamo Foundation.

Up to R50 million (CAPEX grant)

Suits growing businesses

Grant funding for black industrialists to establish or expand manufacturing and industrial operations. The grant covers capital expenditure (CAPEX), feasibility studies, and market access costs. Designed to create a new generation of black-owned manufacturers and industrialists with global competitiveness.

From R1 million

Suits growing businesses

Debt, equity and blended finance for businesses in agriculture and agro-processing. Covers primary production, processing, storage, and distribution of agricultural commodities. Supports transformation and job creation across the value chain.

Up to R25 million (CIP)

Suits growing businesses

Production and cluster incentive grants for clothing and textile manufacturers. The Production Incentive Programme (PIP) pays out 7.5% of net manufacturing value added. The Cluster Incentive Programme (CIP) offers cost-sharing grants of up to R25 million per qualifying cluster. Aimed at improving global competitiveness of South African manufacturers.

R1 million to R1 billion

Suits growing businesses

Debt, equity, and quasi-equity financing for established businesses looking to expand, diversify, or transform. No age restriction - open to any South African entrepreneur or business owner.

R50 000 – R25 million (credit) | Up to R110 million (equity)

Suits growing businesses

IDF Capital (est. 2008) is South Africa's first female-owned and led multi-fund manager, investing in black-owned, high-growth SMEs. They offer a range of funding instruments including invoice discounting (from R50,000), purchase order finance (from R100,000), contract finance, term loans, revolving credit facilities, and equity deals up to R110 million. IDF applies a gender-lens investment strategy — 59% of their portfolio is female-owned. Funding is rolling with no advertised closing date. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Up to R5 million

A flagship national programme designed to promote inclusive economic participation among women by providing integrated financial and non-financial support. The programme combines blended finance with business training, mentorship, networking, and supportive spaces for women in business.

R30 000 to R2 million

Dedicated loan fund for women-owned SMMEs that cannot access conventional commercial credit. Provides affordable development finance at concessional interest rates, combined with non-financial business development support. Target sectors include manufacturing, retail, agri-processing, services, and township commerce.

R250 000 to R75 million

Suits growing businesses

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.

R20 000 to R10 million

Suits growing businesses

Funding and business development support for small and medium enterprises supplying goods or services to Sanlam or its partners. Eligibility is purely business-based - no age restriction.

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.

Matched to private investment

Suits growing businesses

Co-investment grant that matches funding from private sector investors such as VCs or angel investors. Designed to de-risk technology commercialisation for investors and help late-stage South African tech ventures scale. TIA matches rand-for-rand up to the programme cap.

Up to R1 million

A programme that supports informal, micro and small enterprises and cooperatives in township and rural economies through blended finance and business development support. It is designed to promote participation in the mainstream economy and improve competitiveness, compliance, and market access.