National Empowerment Fund (NEF)
OpenNational Empowerment Fund (NEF)
Always verify eligibility and deadlines on the official source before applying.
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.
What to prepare
Have these ready before you apply.
- 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.