Funding Opportunities

Funding opportunities

Below are some of the funding opportunities available in the agriculture sector and the broader green economy. Applicants should also note that there are additional incentives that they can take advantage of in the Business Incentives page and find further support for writing up a business plan and financial forecast in the Business Planning support page.

Nedbank Business Banking wants to partner with business in offering financing for energy-efficiency and renewable energy projects of all sizes, either for outright purchases or third-party ownership solutions.

Departmental Financing
Fund Name	Focus Area	Investment instrument	Investment size	Website	Contact details
National Skills Fund	Skill Development	Grant	Unspecified	link	Director: Skills support programme Mr F Strydom 012 943 3130
The NSF is intended to finance costs directly related to the delivery of learning and not to finance infrastructure and/or ongoing operational costs. Interested employers must have paid Skills Development levies, have a Skills Development Facilitator and follow all the rules and regulations in the Skills Development Act 97 of 1998
National Youth Development Agency Grant Programme	Various Sectors	Grant	From R1 000 to R250 000 cumulative grant	nyda.gov.za	Find your regional office here
The NYDA Grant Programme is designed to provide young entrepreneurs with an opportunity to access both financial and non-financial business development support in order to enable them to establish or grow their businesses. Young people between 18 - 35 years of age, whose business ideas qualify for the Grant Programme will also undergo some of the NYDA's non-financial support services e.g. mentorship; business consultancy services; market linkages; business management training programme; youth co-operative development programme
AgriBEE fund	Agro processing	Grant	From R1 000 000 (with 10% applicant contribution) to R5 000 000 (with 20% applicant contribution)	More information	Provincial contact list
The AgriBEE Fund is a support programme which serves as an intervention to support black-owned agricultural enterprises with a view of enhancing transformation in the sector. The Fund's mandate was extended to also include the promotion of enterprise development initiatives through value-add and agro-processing infrastructure.
Micro Agricultural Financial Institutions of South Africa	Agriculture	Loan	Up to R500 000 at 8% interest pa	More information	PortiaMahl@daff.gov.za ElizabethKh@daff.gov.za
MAFISA is a scheme that addresses the financial service needs of smallholder farmers and agribusinesses, providing capital loans to enhance agricultural activities. Eligible candidates must have an enterprise with positive credit history and can show its ability to repay the loan.
Black Business Supplier Development Programme	Manufacturing	Grant	R800 000 for tools, machinery and equipment on a 50:50 cost sharing basis; R200 000 for business development and training interventions on a 80:20 cost-sharing basis	Programme guidelines
The BBSDP is a cost-sharing grant offered to black-owned small enterprises to assist them to improve their competitiveness and sustainability to become a part of the mainstream economy and create employment
Manufacturing Competitiveness Enhancement Programme	Feasibility projects	Cost-sharing Grant	Projects of <R30 000 000 qualify for 70% grant; projects of >R30 000 000 qualify for a grant of 50%	More information	Magdeline Thwala MTHwala@thedti.gov.za 012 394 1089 Thaka Lehohla TLehohla@thedti.gov.za 012 394 1245
The objective of the MCEP is to facilitate feasibility studies that are likely to lead to bankable business/project plans, which will result in investment in new components, products or processes not currently manufactured or performed by the applicant or in the creation of markets that will lead to a substantial increase in the manufactured products of the applicant.
Capital Projects Feasibility Programme	Feasibility projects	Cost-sharing Grant	Unspecified	More information	James Koko JKoko@thedti.gov.za 012 394 1037 Anele Sigcau ASigcau@thedti.gov.za 012 394 5665
The CPFP is a cost-sharing grant that contributes to the cost of feasibility studies likely to lead to projects that will increase local exports and stimulate the market for South African capital goods and services. The primary objective of the programme is to facilitate feasibility studies that are likely to lead to high-impact projects which will stimulate value-adding economic activities in South Africa and have greater impact on the country's industrial policy objectives
Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme	Academic research	Grant	Unspecified	More information	Marinky Tshephe Maria@nrf.ac.za 012 481 4060
THRIP is a flagship research and development programme of the dti and NRF. The NRF contributes research management and opportunities to leverage national and international research initiatives, so that the technology and industry development aims of the dti are taken forward effectively. Partnerships in pre-commercial research between business and the public-funded research base including universities and research institutions. THRIP supports Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) research collaboration focused on addressing the technology needs of the participating firms.
Black Industrialist Scheme	Various sectors	Cost-sharing Grant	Up to R50 000 000 with 30% - 50% cost-sharing	More information	bienquiries@thedti.gov.za
The objectives of BIS are to accelerate the quantitative and qualitative increase and participation of black industrialist in the national economy and create multiple and diverse pathways and instruments for black industrialist to enter strategic and targeted manufacturing sectors and value chains
Strategic Partnership Programme	Various sectors	Cost-sharing Grant	Up to R15 million of 50:50 cot-sharing support	More information	Thaka Lehohla TLehohla@thedti.gov.za 012 394 1245 Thabiso Goeieman TGoeieman@thedti.gov.za 012 394 5164
The objective of SPP is to encourage large private sector enterprises - in partnership with governments - to support, nurture and develop SMEs within the partner's supply chain or sector to be manufacturers of goods and suppliers of services in a sustainable manner. The support covers machinery, equipment and tools; infrastructure such as owned/leased buildings; product or service development; Information and Communication Technology (ICT), operational costs; and business development services
Sector Specific Assistance Scheme	Various sectors	Cost-sharing Grant	R500 000 of advertising costs and publicity, R200 000 of marketing and local exhibition costs at 80:20 cost-sharing. R50 000 grant for establishing an export council	More information	Khtjo Bambo KBambo@thedti.gov.za 012 394 1773 James Koko JKoko@thedti.gov.za 012 394 1037 Phindile Skosana OSkosana@thedti.gov.za 012 394 1330
The objectives of the SSAS are to i.) develop an industry sector as a whole; ii.) develop new export markets; iii.) stimulate job creation; iv.) broaden the export base; v.) propose solutions to factors inhibiting export growth; vi.) promote broader participation of black-owned SMMEs in the economy
Export Marketing and Investment Assistance Scheme	Various sectors	Grant	Rental of exhibition space up to R50 000, return economy-class airfare, interpretation fees, marketing material. patent registration in foreign market capped at R100 000	More information	EMIAContactApps@thedtic.gov.za
This scheme develops export markets for South African products and services to recruit new foreign direct investment into the country. This is done by providing market assistance to develop new export markets, assisting with the identification of new export markets through market research, assisting companies to increase their competitive edge by supporting patent registrations and quality marks and assisting with facilitation to grow FDI through missions and research
Agro-Processing Support Scheme	Agro-processing	Cost-sharing Grant	20%-30% cost-sharing grant capped at R20 million		Suzan Chiloane schiloane@thedtic.gov.za 012 394 1208 Semakaleng Mangwedi smangwedi@thedtic.gov.za 012 394 1073 Rinny Mmakau rmmakau@thedtic.gov.za 012 394 1618
The APSS aims to stimulate investment by the South African agro-processing/beneficiation (agri-business) enterprises. The investment should demonstrate that it will achieve increased manufacturing capacity, employment, modernised machinery and equipment, competitiveness and productivity. More information
Aquaculture Development and Enhancement Programme (ADEP)	Agriculture	Cost-sharing Grant	50% cost-sharing grant capped at R20 million		ADEPapps@thedti.gov.za ADEPClaims@thedti.gov.za ADEPcontact@thedti.gov.za
The ADEP is an incentive programme available to South African registered entities engaged in primary, secondary and ancillary aquaponic activities in both marine and freshwater classified under SIC 132 (fish hatcheries and fish farms) and 301 and 3012 (production, processing and preserving of aquaculture fish). The grant is provided directly to approved applications for new, upgrading or expansion projects. More here
Agri Industrial Fund	Agriculture	Debt and grant (quasi-equity/equity on a case-by-case basis)	R1 billion fund size		Callcentre@idc.co.za Find your regional IDC office here
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development (DALRRD) have established the Agri-Industrial Fund, to support a wide range of economically viable activities in agro-processing (food and non-food) sectors. The aim is to develop a competitive industry in the food, beverage, fibre, forestry and agro-derivative industries; that utilises and develops local and regional resources to supply domestic demand and increase participation in international trade. More here

Development Finance Institutions

The Green Energy Efficiency Fund	Energy	Debt	25% financing of R250 million per project with maximum 8 years payback		Find your regional IDC office here
The AFD Green Energy Fund provides finance to renewable energy and energy efficiency projects of smaller scale and manufacturing of green products in South Africa.
Isibaya Fund	Various sectors	Debt	Funding from R10 million to R100 million		Contact the PIC at: info@pic.gov.za 012 742 3400
Isibaya is managed by the Public Investment Corporation to provide finance to private and public sector organisations in projects with good financial returns. More information
SEDA Technology Programme	Various sectors	Cost-sharing Grant	Funding is provided on a sliding scale <R150 000 = 0% client contribution R150-R600 million = 10% client contribution		Find your regional office here
This fund has a focus on the manufacturing and processing sectors, which are under-supplied and where a competitive edge can be gained through productive technology. More information
The Growth Fund	Various sectors	Grant	R21 000 grant for every 1 permanent job created (application must be between R105 000 - R1 050 000)		Ryan Rode ryan.rode@thecdi.org.za
The CDI growth fund offers small business experiencing growth and that are poised for expansion, access to grant funding, working capital and business support. Qualifying businesses should have been operating for at least 1 year and have turnover or assets of more than R600 000. The business will also be responsible for matching 20% of the Fund's contribution. More information
The Design Innovation Seed Fund	Agriprocessing, biotechnology; health; manufacturing; water conservation; alternative building materials; energy; information and communications technology	Grant	Up to R800 000		Ryan Rode ryan.rode@thecdi.org.za
The DISF is aimed at Western Cape based early-stage small and medium enterprises/ entrepreneurs/ researchers with the potential to create competitive, new protected or protectable intellectual property. The grant may be used in conducting field studies, initial proof of concept, refining and implementing designs, prototype development/improvement etc.
Infrastructure Fund	Social and economic infrastructure	Blended finance	Unspecified
The Infrastructure Fund addresses the need for blended finance to enable to efficient execution of socio-economic infrastructure programmes and projects in South Africa. The Infrastructure Fund in collaboration with its key stakeholders, National Treasury, ISA and project owners, intends to spearhead the efficient execution and implementation of South Africa's infrastructure development programme in line with principles of good governance and procurement systems that are fair equitable, cost effective, competitive and transparent. Click here for more information.


Lenders
Cash Flow Capital	Various sectors	Debt	Unspecified		https://www.cashflowcapital.co.za/
CFC is an alternative lending company that provides loans based on turnover versus assets. These tailored business solutions are aimed at small to medium businesses at least 6 months operation with a minimum monthly revenue of R300 000.
Nedbank FairShare	Energy	Debt	Unspecified		Click here to visit the Nedbank FairShare brochure.
Nedbank is the leading advisor and financier of South Africa's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme and it wants to use their experience as a solid foundation for financing energy efficiency and embedded energy for businesses. Nedbank Business Banking wants to partner with business in offering financing for energy-efficiency and renewable energy projects of all sizes, either for outright purchases or third-party ownership solutions.
Sustainable Investment Initiative	Various sectors	Debt & equity	US $200 000 - US $25 million		siiafrica@angloamerican.com
The Anglo American Sustainable Investment Initiative (SII) forms a critical part of the activities to achieve their Sustainable Mining Plan goals by supporting economic diversification and job opportunities beyond the mining industry. The SII was created to support businesses looking for finance, to help them overcome hurdles in preparing for investment and matching them with aligned investors. Businesses that qualify for the SII will be assessed by the AA team and support or Technical assistance will be provided free of charge to help businesses prepare and engage with investors. The TA is designed to support business need and where they are in their investment journey. Click here for more information