List of Government Grants for Business
The best place to start with researching government grants for business is through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). By visiting www.thedti.gov.za, you can explore a number of funding options from grants to incentives and all their qualifying criteria. Some grants available include:
1. Aqua-culture Development and Enhancement Programme (ADEP)
This programme is available to registered entities involved in primary, secondary and ancillary aquaculture projects for both marine and fresh water. It is approved for new, existing and upgrading entities. See more here.
2. Automotive Investment Scheme (AIS)
This scheme is designed to grow and develop the automotive industry through investment in new and replacement models and components that will increase production volumes, sustain and increase employment, and strengthen the automotive value chain. See more here.
3. Black Business Supplier Development Programme (BBSDP)
This is a cost-sharing grant offered to black-owned businesses to improve their competitiveness and sustainability. It aims to fast-track small and micro-enterprises, foster links between black-owned businesses, corporates and public sector, and to complement affirmative procurement and outsourcing. It provides grants to a maximum of R1 million. See more here.
4. Business Process Services (BPS)
This scheme aims to attract investment and create employment in South Africa through off-shoring activities. It involves a three-year tax-exempt grant for qualifying businesses. See more here.
5. Capital Projects Feasibility Programme (CPFP)
The Capital Projects Feasibility Programme is a cost-sharing grant contributing to the cost of feasibility studies for projects that will lead to increased local exports and stimulate the local manufacturing sector. See more here.
6. Critical Infrastructure Programme (CIP)
This is aimed at improving the infrastructure of South Africa. The grant covers a minimum of 10% to a maximum of 30% of total development costs of qualifying infrastructure. See more here.
7. The Co-operative Incentive Scheme (CIS)
This scheme is a 90:10 cost-sharing grant for registered primary cop-operatives of five or more members to improve the viability and competitiveness.
8. Incubation Support Programme (ISP)
This programme is designed to create and develop successful enterprises with the ability to revitalise communities and local economies.
9. The Manufacturing Competitive Enhancement Programme (MCEP)
Provides enhanced manufacturing support to encourage facility upgrades to sustain employment and improve productivity.
10. Manufacturing Investment Programme (MIP)
This programme is a reimbursable cash grant to local and foreign-owned manufacturers who wish to establish new facilities or expand on existing ones.
11. National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)
While it is moving away from grants for youth and going toward mentorship and development programmes, grants are available for youth entrepreneurs. See more here.
12. People-carrier Automotive Investment Scheme (P-AIS)
This is a cash grant of between 20% and 35% of the value of qualifying investment in productive assets approved by the DTI. See more here.
13. The Sector Specific Assistance Scheme (SSAS)
This scheme is a cost-sharing grant offered on an 80:20 principle and a maximum of R1,5 million is awarded to qualifying businesses. See more here.
14. Support Programme for Industrial Innovation (SPII)
The Support Programme for Industrial Innovation is aimed to promote technology development in South African industry. Visit their site for more information.