National Empowerment Fund (NEF)
OpenNational Empowerment Fund (NEF)
Funding amount
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.
Who qualifies
Business must be majority black-owned (50.1%+). South African registered. Viable business model with repayment ability for debt instruments. Women, rural, and township businesses prioritised. Note: most entrepreneurship and franchise products are capped at R10 million. The R75 million ceiling applies to acquisition finance and strategic projects only.
Documents needed
- Company registration documents
- BEE certificate or affidavit
- Business plan
- Financial statements or projections
- ID documents of shareholders
- Bank statements (6 months)
Always verify eligibility and deadlines on the official source before applying.