Small business funding

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,…

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.

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.

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 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.

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 aims to inspire, train, and support entrepreneurs to build businesses that can create development and economic opportunities on the continent.

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.

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.

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.

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.