The Spaza Shop Support Fund (SSSF) is a government initiative that is designed to strengthen township-based spaza shops that form a critical component of South Africa’s informal economy. These shops tend to operate informally but they provide essential goods, create…
Discover how small businesses in Gauteng can apply for funding to adopt resource-efficient technologies. Learn about eligibility, benefits, and how to submit your application by 29 January 2025.
Read MoreApply for Small Businesses Funding to install Resource-Efficient Technologies
Small businesses are encouraged to apply for the SEDFA Asset Assist Programme for SMEs to get funding for selected equipment and working capital. The program aims to provide assistance to Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) by providing them with funding to purchase equipment for starting operations or for increasing production. The Asset Assist Programme is specifically targeting machinery, equipment, and procurement of raw materials.
Read MoreApply for the SEDFA Asset Assist Programme for SMEs
The Allan Gray Makers Startup Incubator offers an 8-month incubation program for South African electricians and plumbers aged 18-35. This initiative provides essential business training, mentorship, and a monthly R3000 transport allowance to transform skilled artisans into successful entrepreneurs. Operating across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Limpopo, the program supports both aspiring and early-stage business owners in the trades sector. Applications for the 2025 cohort close January 31, 2025.
Read MoreThe Allan Gray Makers Startup Incubator Programme
The Johannesburg Business School Centre for Entrepreneurship (JBSCE), in partnership with the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), invites tech entrepreneurs in the Soweto area to join the SEDA UJ Rapid Incubator programme.
Read MoreApply for the SEDA UJ Rapid Incubator Programme
Tshwane University of Technology’s Institute for the Future of Work and ANZA Capital have come together to develop the ANZA-TUT Future Tech Challenge . The objective is to identify startups for funding, as well as to provide support to through a development phase in order to significantly improve their chances of success. The initiative is primarily looking at tech entrepreneurs and will select up to 3 startups for this initial programme.
Read MoreAnza-TUT Future Tech Challenge
BRICS Women’s Business Alliance Startup Contest is aimed at stimulating the participation of women in entrepreneurial activities by identifying, supporting, and promoting women’s startups. The contest is particularly looking at startups that are innovative and that have potential to scale globally to countries within and beyond the alliance countries.
Read MoreBRICS Women’s Business Alliance Startups Contest
Africa’s Business Heroes aims to inspire, train, and support entrepreneurs to build businesses that can create development and economic opportunities on the continent.
Read MoreAfrica’s Business Heroes
The Irish Tech Challenge is aimed at bridging the gap between South Africa's and Ireland's tech sectors as well as empowering innovation and entrepreneurship in South Africa. The initiative will select 7 entrepreneurs that have their sights set on scaling their startups globally.
Read MoreIrish Tech Challenge South Africa
The Pitch and Polish competition is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to win prizes worth R1 million to use towards growing their business. The competition is sponsored by Nedbank and in partnership with Raizcorp, a business incubator, for promotion and execution. There is no specific mandate in terms of sectors that are targeted, and this means that all business owners may participate.
Read MorePepsico Mzansi Business Accelerator
The Pitch and Polish competition is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to win prizes worth R1 million to use towards growing their business. The competition is sponsored by Nedbank and in partnership with Raizcorp, a business incubator, for promotion and execution. There is no specific mandate in terms of sectors that are targeted, and this means that all business owners may participate.
Read MoreNedbank Pitch and Polish Competition
This opportunity is for South African entrepreneurs in agriculture to join the 12-month YGap Agripreneur Accelerator. The opportunity is open to post-revenue startups, preferable participating in the following key areas: gender, climate and technology.
Read MoreYGap Agripreneur Accelerator
Small businesses are encouraged to apply for the SEDA Asset Funding for SMEs to acquire capital to fund selected equipment as well as working capital. The program aims to provide assistance to Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) by providing them with funding to purchase equipment for starting operations or for increasing production. The SEDA Asset Funding for SMEs is specifically targeting machinery, equipment, and procurement of raw materials.
Read MoreApply for SEDA Asset Funding for SMEs
The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme is a structured training opportunity designed to address the most common hurdles faced by entrepreneurs in Africa. The programme will categorize entrepreneurs according to their knowledge and skill; and will provide a targeted, hands-on, learning process. Entrepreneurs must complete this programme to proceed to pitching their business plan and to receive the $5000USD capital.
Read MoreApply for funding: Tony Elumelu Foundation
The GSMA Innovation Fund offers R2.5-R6 million to African startups addressing humanitarian challenges with GSM/digital technologies. It requires applicants to secure 25-50% matched funding, prioritizes women-led initiatives, and offers non-financial support. Companies must be post-revenue and may not exceed 250 employees. Applications close on 12 February 2024.
Read MoreGMSA grant funding for digital startups
Norrsken Accelerator offers $125k funding and an intensive mentorship programme to 20 early-stage startups to build and scale purpose-driven businesses. Selected startups will complete a highly targeted 8-week mentorship programme in Stockholm, Sweden, starting from July 2024.
Read More$125k Norrsken Funding for TechStartups
