Your Business Support Service Directory

In addition to the services available to small businesses through various DTI agencies such as Seda (see below in the directory), the DTI is also active in direct support to entrepreneurs through incentive schemes and trade programmes. Various grants are offered by the DTI, including for businesses expanding their manufacturing capacity, businesses entering an export market and black-owned businesses in need of supplier development.

For more information:
Website: www.thedti.gov.za
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0861 843 384

As a key agency within the stable of the Department of Trade and Industry, Seda is tasked with implementing important elements of the government small business development strategy. Seda therefore works closely with other government agencies and provincial initiatives.

Potential entrepreneurs who are thinking of starting a business may apply to attend one of Seda’s many training programmes; while business owners who are at the stage of planning to expand and are in need of specialised support may apply for Seda to sponsor between 60% and 90% of the fees of an approved service provider.

It is not only independent business owners who may approach Seda – specific programmes are geared towards cooperatives and franchisees too. Seda also offers tender advice, networking and business linkages opportunities, technical support, export readiness assessment and productivity improvement.

To qualify for support, the entrepreneur must be 18 years or older, be able to run the business on a full-time basis, and have a valid South African Identify Document. The applicant must also pass credit checks and provide proof of residence.

For more information:
Telephone:  0860 103 703
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.seda.org.za 

The products on offer fall into two lines: Direct Lending Products aimed at direct service to small businesses and Wholesale Lending Products aimed at intermediaries who have small businesses as their clients. Direct Lending Products include bridging loans, term-loans and structured small business loans. while Wholesale Lending Products include credit guarantees, land reform empowerment facilities and equity investments.

To qualify for financing from Sefa an entrepreneur must be a South African citizen with a valid Identity Document. The business must be registered and have a fixed physical address. The entrepreneur must own at least 50% of the business and manage the business. All the supporting documentation must be provided to meet Sefa’s loan application criteria, including a business plan which shows the ability to repay the loan. The entrepreneur must also provide personal and credit references.

Sefa does not support tobacco, liquor, gambling or sex trade, armaments, speculative real estate, leverage buy-out funds or any business involved in illegal trades, nor political organisations, people under debt review, or any business that have directors who are un-rehabilitated insolvents.

For more information:
Website: www.sefa.org.za
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 086 000 7332 

The following are available to entrepreneurs: Strategic Projects Funds (SPF), Fund a Woman, Fund a Nation Project, Investor Education/NEF iMbizo, Post Investment and Mentorship Support, and the Junior Management Programme.

To qualify for funding the applicant must be 18 years or older, the business must be economically viable and must not be involved in illegal practices, tobacco or gambling. The entrepreneur must be a 50% or more share holder and be operationally involved in the business, and be a previously disadvantaged South African with a valid South African ID, credit checks, and proof of residence. The applicant must also submit an application form and a business plan.

For more information:
Website: www.nefcorp.co.za
Funding email: [email protected]
Other email: [email protected]
Telephone: 011 305 8000 

To qualify for funding, the business must be economically viable and cannot be involved in gambling, tobacco, property development or any illegal practices. An applicant must be 35 or younger; hold greater than 50% of the shares in the company; be a previously disadvantaged South African youth; and be operationally involved in the business. Proof of residential address, valid ID and credit checks, an application form and a business plan are required.

For more information:
Website: www.nyda.gov.za
Telephone: 080 052 5252 

The CIPC’s role is to provide accessible registration services for business entities, intellectual property and regulated practitioners; and to maintain and disclose relevant information regarding business entities, business rescue practitioners, corporate conduct and reputation, intellectual property rights and indigenous cultural expression.

The CIPC also increases awareness and knowledge of company and intellectual property laws, this also includes opportunities for business entities and intellectual property rights holders to drive growth and sustainability, as well as the knowledge of the potential of these laws in promoting the broader policy objectives of government. The CIPC’s role is also to help businesses to take the necessary steps to visibly, effectively and efficiently monitor and enforce compliance with the laws of the CIPC administers.

For more information:
Website: www.cipc.co.za
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 086 100 2472 

Many of the media products are published in indigenous languages. The Internet is also used as another means of communication, since it is fast becoming an option to business travelers. At each Libsa office entrepreneurs may use the computerized library with many useful business information sources.

Business support and training services are offered in the following sectors: mining, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, construction and information communication technology. All non-financial support services are offered free of charge, with an emphasis on assisting with challenges in marketing, distribution and processing of agriculture products.

For more information:
Website: www.libsa.co.za
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 015 287 3000 

The focus with LimDev’s service offering is to assist business owners in making better investment and financing decisions. To get access to these services, entrepreneurs must present their business plans together with the standard application form, which can be found at any of LimDev’s offices around Limpopo.

One of LimDev’s programmes, the Business Launchpad, is aimed at identifying small business ideas and existing businesses with potential, andproviding them with support, training and exposure to help them to grow.

For more information:
Website: www.limdev.co.za
Telephone: 015 633 4700 

Three types of funding are offered: Start-up funding for new businesses, general finance for the expansion of existing businesses, and bridging finance that caters for emerging contractors and suppliers of goods and services.

To qualify for these funds the entrepreneur or small business owner must be registered as a Sole Proprietor, Close Corporation, Partnership or Company. The business must have a valid tax clearance certificate from Sars, a business profile, a business plan, securities (such as the deed of grant, title deed insurance policy, investments surety-ship document or the cession of progress payment) and supporting documents like proof of residents, certified copy of ID document, copy of contract and 3 months bank statements.

For more information:
Website: www.nwdc.co.za
Telephone: 018 381 3663 

For more information:
Website: www.bafokengholdings.com
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 011 530 8000 

The FDC administers a wide range of property portfolios and its property management unit offers small to medium enterprises suitable premises at affordable rates. The FDC has some 940 properties including 400 factory units, which they aim to use to facilitate commercial and industrial activity, while assisting new investors who may be looking for suitable premises.

The following incentives are also offered by the FDC, subsidised rental rates, rental holidays ofup to three months and special incentives and discounts for BEE companies or individuals.

For more information:
Website: www.fdc.co.za
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 051 400 0800 

To qualify applicants must be a South African residents with a South African Identity Document, be between 18 and 65 years, and have access to land or production facilities. They will also undergo a credit check.

For more information:
Website: www.mega.gov.za
Telephone: 013 752 2440 

At TBP centres entrepreneurs are referred to the best suited business development service providers, government resources and financial institutions. TBP provide entrepreneurs with free internet access for business research and getting ideas. They can also get legal advice, micro- MBA practical training, business-to-business networking opportunities, business workshops and free use of the meeting and training rooms.

The following TBP centres are currently in operation: Alexandra, eKapa, Gabarone, Joburg, Kliptown, Metsweding, Philippi and Phokeng.

For more information:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.thebusinessplace.co.za
Telephone: 011 833 0340