AWIEF Pitch n Grow 2026 Funding Opportunity for African Women Entrepreneurs
Apply for AWIEF Pitch n Grow 2026 and gain access to funding, mentorship, investor exposure, bootcamps and continental visibility for women-led businesses in Africa.
Funding
Read MoreAWIEF Pitch n Grow 2026 Funding Opportunity for African Women Entrepreneurs
Startup Funding of Approximately R1,9 million from develoPPP Ventures
If you are running an innovative startup in South Africa and you are looking for funding that does not require you to give away equity, the develoPPP Ventures programme is worth your immediate attention. This non-diluting startup funding is approximately…
Win Up to $1 Million with the Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy
African businesses working in the circular economy space now have a compelling opportunity to compete for a share of $2 million in total prize funding (About R34 million), including a $1 million Grand Prize (about R17 million). The Milken-Motsepe Prize…
Get funded through the Standard Bank Kasi SME National Pitch Challenge 2026 – R1 million grand prize
Township entrepreneurs across South Africa now have an extraordinary opportunity to get funded through the 2026 Standard Bank Kasi SME National Pitch Challenge. With a grand prize of R1 million up for grabs, this competition is one of the most…
Bank ESD funds: The Funding Option Many South African Entrepreneurs Overlook
If you’ve been turned down for a business loan or can’t afford the high interest rates commercial banks charge, here’s something you need to know: the same banks that rejected your loan application can probably provide you with a cheaper,…
Apply for R300,000 through the Old Mutual SMEgo Pitchathon 2025
The Old Mutual SMEgo Pitchathon is a leading entrepreneurship competition aimed at tackling the funding challenges faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa. With a total of R4.2 million in funding for 2025, up by more than R1 million from last year, it provides a great opportunity for startups in the ICT and financial services sectors.
Apply for up to R100,000 to the Spaza Shop Support Fund
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…
Apply for Small Businesses Funding to install Resource-Efficient Technologies
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.
Apply for the SEDFA Asset Assist Programme for SMEs
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.
The Allan Gray Makers Startup Incubator Programme
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.
Apply for the SEDA UJ Rapid 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.
Anza-TUT Future Tech Challenge
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.
BRICS Women’s Business Alliance Startups Contest
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.
Africa’s Business Heroes
Africa’s Business Heroes aims to inspire, train, and support entrepreneurs to build businesses that can create development and economic opportunities on the continent.
Irish Tech Challenge South Africa
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.
Pepsico 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.
Nedbank Pitch and Polish Competition
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.
YGap Agripreneur Accelerator
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.
Apply for SEDA Asset Funding for SMEs
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.
Apply for funding: Tony Elumelu Foundation
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.
