4 Overlooked Business Grants in South Africa for 2025

If you’ve been navigating the South African business landscape, you’ve likely encountered the usual grant providers such as the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA), National Empowerment Fund (NEF), and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC). These institutions are pillars in SME financing, offering substantial support to various enterprises.

But what if you’ve already applied and received no response? Or perhaps their criteria don’t align with your business’s current stage?

The good news is that there are alternative grant opportunities available, ones that might fit certain specialised businesses. From sector-specific initiatives to programmes targeting youth and women entrepreneurs, this article will introduce you to lesser-known funding sources that could be the perfect fit for your business in 2025.

1. Clothing and Textiles Competitiveness Programme (CTCP)

The Clothing and Textiles Competitiveness Programme, a key initiative of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), is strategically designed to encourage the competitiveness of South African enterprises within the clothing, textiles, footwear, leather, and leather goods sectors. Beyond simply providing financial aid, the CTCP focuses on facilitating upgrades for manufacturers. This includes investments in advanced equipment and the enhancing of production processes to increase work efficiency.

Additionally, the programme supports the development of innovative products and the crucial upskilling of the workforce. By addressing these critical areas, the CTCP aims to empower local manufacturers to effectively compete in the global market, as well as create sustainable growth and job creation.

2. Infrastructure Investment Programme for South Africa (IIPSA)

Managed by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), the Infrastructure Investment Programme for South Africa (IIPSA) provides innovative financing solutions by blending grants with loans from participating Development Finance Institutions. The programme targets socio-economic infrastructure projects, offering direct grants to co-finance capital expenditure, particularly for projects with significant development impact.

Sectors eligible for project and programme consideration under IIPSA encompass social infrastructure, including housing, education, healthcare, student accommodation as well as water and sanitation. Economic infrastructure priorities are energy, information and communications technology (ICT), transport, water, bulk logistics, environment, and primary and secondary agriculture. Additionally, strategic sectors as defined by the government will be taken into account.

3. Spaza Shop Support Fund

If you want to grow a successful Spaza shop business, this is for you. The Spaza Shop Support Fund is a township and rural-focused initiative introduced by the Department of Small Business Development. The fund aims to uplift informal grocery retail businesses in South Africa. Specifically designed for South African-owned spaza shops and general dealers, the programme offers a combination of working capital and business support services.

The Spaza Shop Support Fund offers a blended financial solution for township-based informal grocery retailers, Unregistered spaza shops may receive up to R80,000 in support, while registered businesses could access up to R300,000. This includes a grant component of up to R40,000, with any additional funding provided as a combination of grant and debt.

4. Santam Women of the Future Awards

The Santam Women of the Future Awards, in partnership with FAIRLADY and TRUELOVE magazines, celebrate and support outstanding female entrepreneurs in South Africa. These awards serve as one of the efforts to finance female businesses. They recognise women who are making significant strides in business, offering them financial grants, mentorship, and media exposure to scale their ventures.

Categories include the Woman of the Future, Rising Star, and Social Entrepreneur awards, each acknowledging different stages and impacts of business development. By highlighting the achievements of women entrepreneurs, the programme aims to inspire others and promote gender equality in the business landscape.

How to Best Prepare Your Business for Grants?

Before applying for any grant, preparation is everything. Start by clearly defining your business model, financial projections, and the specific impact your business makes, whether it’s creating jobs, solving real problems through innovation, or uplifting communities.

Grant providers want to see that your business is viable and sustainable, so ensure your business plan is well-structured and up to date. Keep your compliance in check, this includes CIPC registration, tax clearance, and B-BBEE certificates. It also helps to tailor your application to the funder’s goals, showing how your business aligns with their priorities.

Lastly, set aside time to research and to stay updated on opening and closing dates, especially for niche or seasonal grants. When you’re applying for grants, you still need to demonstrate why your business is worthy of the money, treat the process as if you’re pitching to a partner, and not just asking for money.