For informal businesses

Get registered,
unlock more funding

Most South African funding programmes require a formally registered business. These five steps will get you there and open access to significantly more opportunities.

Register on CIPC

The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission registers your business officially. You can register a private company (Pty Ltd), sole proprietor, or co-operative.

Register with SARS

Once CIPC-registered, register for income tax with SARS via eFiling. VAT registration only becomes compulsory once your annual turnover exceeds R2.3 million (threshold updated April 2026).

Open a business bank account

Most funding applications require a dedicated business bank account. Several South African banks offer low-cost options for small businesses - FNB Easy Business, Nedbank Business Essentials, and Standard Bank MyMoBiz are popular starting points.

Get a B-BBEE affidavit or certificate

Businesses with annual turnover under R10 million can use a sworn affidavit signed before a commissioner of oaths. Larger businesses need a verified B-BBEE certificate from a SANAS-accredited verification agency.

Learn about B-BBEE at thedtic.gov.za

Prepare your core funding pack

Almost every application asks for the same set of documents. Assemble them once, keep them updated, and you can apply to multiple programmes without starting from scratch.

CIPC registration certificate
SARS tax compliance certificate
B-BBEE affidavit or certificate
Bank confirmation letter
12-month financial projections
Proof of trading address
Identity document of owner(s)

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