What is Government funding?
Government grants and loan programmes have been set up by the government to extend funding to previously disadvantaged South African to foster black economic development.There is a good deal of Government sponsored non-repayable grants and assistance programmes for manufacturing and tourist related businesses as well as for innovative research and development projects
What is the difference between a Government Grant and a Government Loan in SA?
Government financial aid is available in different forms, but is it is important to understand the difference between government funding and government grants.
The difference between a loan and a grant is that grants do not have to be repaid, but they do require a considerable amount of paperwork. The grantee is required to account for spending the money in the manner specified by the grantor
Government Funding
Government funding is offered in the form of a loan and has to be paid back with interest over a specified period. The government offers loan money to set up a business. It can be short-term or long-term funding. Most applications are assessed on their own merits but preference is given because of gender or to historically disadvantaged South Africans.
Government Loans
Previously disadvantaged South Africans can approach the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). Its Enterprise Finance arm aims to promote entrepreneurship among young people by providing funding to the youth (18-35 years old) to help them start a new business or grow an existing one.
To achieve this, Enterprise Finance provides finance ranging from R100 000 to R5 million to expand, buy into or buy out existing businesses or start new businesses which allow significant economic benefits to youth.
Loan Applications
Starting a business with 10% – 20% equity
To get your business going you must find the equity that you need. The reason that equity (a deposit) is so important is to ensure your commitment in making the business a success.
Whist this is not the only consideration, a good credit record is essential in order to get funding. It also provides comfort to the financier in respect of creating a reasonable margin of safety, which is essential if the business finds itself in financial difficulty.
No matter what kind of business you start, you must have a business plan. In the plan, you must consider all the costs and include your goals.
Youth loans
How the National Youth Development Agency works in terms of funding?
The National Youth Development Agency is a South African government initiative designed to help and promote youth development. Entrepreneurs 18 – 35 qualify for free business skills training. The business development unit also offers two forms of funding -including Micro-Loans and SME finance.
Micro finance
The NYDA provides micro loans ranging from R1 000 to R100 000 so that entrepreneurs can start a new business or grow an existing one. There are eight different products where the finance is structured according to the amount requests, affordability and the type of finance that is required. These include asset finance, working capital or contract-based finance.
How to apply
To apply, you will need proof of your residential address, ID and you will be required to undergo a credit check. You must also provide an application form and a business plan, and be able to show that your new or existing business will be able to repay the loan. The loan officers at the NYDA branches around the country can assist in completing the application.
SME Funding
Enterprise Finance provides finance ranging from R100 000 to R5 000 000 to expand, buy into or buy out existing businesses or start new businesses. To be eligible for funding you will need to fulfil the following requirements:
- The applicant must hold greater than 26% of the shares in the company
- Must be a previously disadvantaged South African youth
- The youth must be operationally involved in the business
- Must demonstrate commitment to the venture
- The venture must be economically viable
How would a student go about financing a business concept?
Working experience of any kind is invaluable when the time comes to start your own business. Even while you are studying, it’s possible to get working experience.
With no working experience it could be difficult, but not impossible to find funding. Before you even think of applying for funding make sure that you have a business plan in place. One of the National Youth Funds biggest aims is to promote entrepreneurship among young people and it provides funding to the youth (18-35 years old) and women, so that they can start a new business or grow an existing one. They offer finance ranging from R101 000 to R5 000 000. The loans from the NYF have a repayment period of up to 60 months and their interest is linked to the prime interest rate.
How to find work while studying
Find a business in the field you are interested in and volunteer your services for a period of time. Network with graduates from the University you attend. You can get in contact with them through the University administration office. People who have graduated from the same university will be more inclined to take a chance on you.
Working while you study means:
- You will gain experience and skills
- Helps make industry contacts
- You will be able to get references
- It’s a good way to find out if that if the business you wish to start is really right for you in the long term.
Who can help you get started?
Hire yourselves a business coach who can help to set priorities and goals and to formulate cost-effective as well as innovative business strategies. The other alternative is to make use of the services of a fund like the NYF which offers a series of modules to help you start your business. The modules explain everything from the basic principles of business to building a great company profile.
Government Grants
Government Grants explained
A grant is an award of financial assistance in the form of money. Grants have strict guidelines for applying and using the funds. Grant funding agencies use grants as a way to accomplish a specific goal that the organisation wants to achieve. If your start-up fits into the right criteria, you may be able to apply for funding through a grant.
Where can I get government grants?
Qualifying for a grant requires a great deal of staying power. One can apply for grants in South Africa and there are institutions that assist start-ups with funding and guidance. Government sponsored non-repayable Grants and Assistance Programs for manufacturing; tourist related businesses as well as innovative R&D product development projects are available in South Africa. Qualifying for a grant requires a great deal of staying power to see the long application and administrative process through.
IDC
The IDC is a self-financing, state-owned national development finance institution that provides financing to entrepreneurs and businesses engaged in competitive industries.
Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda)
Seda focuses business advice and support. They assist Entrepreneurs to gain access to finance and provide business management training to small enterprise owners.
The Eastern Cape Development Corporation
ECDC has six offices across the Eastern Cape: East London, King William’s Town, Port Elizabeth, Queenstown, Mthatha and Butterworth and will be able to help entrepreneurs with regard to accessing grants.
Land Grants
The National Departments of Land Affairs and Housing provides grants and subsidies to buy or develop land.
Department of Trade and Industry
The DTI’s Black Business Supplier Development Programme (BBSDP) is an 80:20 cost-sharing, cash grant incentive scheme for black-owned businesses, with a maximum grant of R100 000. The scheme also provides business development services to help companies improve their skills and become more competitive.
National Advisory Council on Innovation
The services of the NACI include R&D, funding and SMME support.
Innovation fund
The aim of the Innovation Fund is to promote technological innovation and business entrepreneurial ventures through investing in late-stage research and development.
Do franchises qualify for grants?
There are government funds that specialise in franchise finance. Most applications are assessed on their own merits but preference is given because of gender or to historically disadvantaged South Africans.
The Imbewu Franchise Finance
- This fund is geared towards franchise finance but there must be a minimum BEE shareholding of 50.1% to qualify.
- NEF funding generally limited to R5m.
- BEE party to have pre-qualified with franchisor.
- The NEF investment horizon is 5 to 7 years.
The IDC Franchise Fund
The IDC is a self-financing, state-owned national development finance institution that provides financing to entrepreneurs and businesses engaged in competitive industries. Finance is made available for the establishment of new outlets, refurbishment of existing outlets and acquisitions by BEE groups. The business must reflect economic merit.
