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Department of Economic Development and Tourism

Export Competitiveness Enhancement Programme (ECEP)

THE FUND APPLICATION WINDOW IS NOW OPEN

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) is inviting applications from potential and existing companies and intermediaries/organisations that currently assist businesses with exports to apply for financial assistance and support through the Export Competitiveness Enhancement Programme (ECEP). The ECEP Fund aims to develop and equip business enterprises facing technical challenges to diversify and access international markets.

The Fund will provide comprehensive support to businesses and intermediaries/organisations dedicated to implementing programmes and projects fostering their export initiative. The programme support will focus on the following services:

  • Product reformulation and refinement.
  • International packaging, labelling, and printing requirements.
  • International product testing.
  • International certification and standards for international market access (e.g. FSSC, ISOS, Halal, Kosher, etc.)
  • Product registration with relevant international bodies in export markets.
  • International nutritional analysis
  • Special handling services and/or permits that are required to export products safely and efficiently.
  • E-commerce platform listing.
  • Product machinery and equipment.

The Fund is geared toward businesses that are existing exporters or potential exporters in the following sub-sectors but not limited to:

  • Food
  • Beverages
  • Cosmetics (Make-up products)
  • Personal care products (oral, skin and body care)
  • Jewellery
  • Transport Equipment
  • Computer, Electronics and Optical Products
  • Rubber and Plastic Products
  • Machinery and Equipment
  • Wearing Apparel
  • Craft and Furniture

The following exclusions should be noted when applying for the fund:

  • Operational and Working Capital
  • Contributing to the purchase of stock.
  • Building any kind of infrastructure.
  • Enterprises are not based in the Western Cape.
  • Companies that are applying multiple times in single financial year. 

Funding criteria

Priority will be given to companies operating in industries with high export potential identified in the Western Cape economy. The planned intervention intends to develop successful exporters meeting client needs professionally.

Qualifying criteria

Qualifying Organisations/ Intermediaries and/or Businesses must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Be a registered legal entity and provide applicable registration/incorporation documentation.
  • Be tax compliant at the time of application and submit a valid Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN.
  • Businesses must be registered in South Africa and based within the geographic boundaries of the Western Cape (proof of address required).
  • Intermediaries/organisations may be based elsewhere in South Africa; however, all beneficiary businesses must be based within the Western Cape, supported by a beneficiary database and proof of address.
  • Submit audited, independently reviewed, or compiled financial statements for the two most recent financial years, where applicable. Audited or independently reviewed financial statements must be unqualified and signed.
  • Demonstrate the availability of own or third-party funding for the proposed intervention, supported by a signed confirmation from an authorised executive.

Submission of applications

We encourage applicants to review the call for proposal carefully to ensure they understand the eligibility criteria, requirements, and guidelines before submitting an application. 

To proceed with your submission, please visit the following LINK.This page provides full details, submission guidelines, and all required sections to complete your application. Follow the step-by-step instructions and review all requirements carefully to ensure your submission meets the necessary criteria.

  • The Fund is contingent upon budget availability, which will be made accessible through an open fund. The allocation of funds will be at the discretion of the Department based on evaluation criteria and the availability of budgetary resources.
  • Designated groups including youth, women, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

 

ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED

Only applications submitted via the online process will be considered. 
No e-mail or hand-delivered applications will be considered.

Should you require more information, contact Mr. Goodwell Dingaan 021 483 9315 or 
Adelaide Phillips on 021 483 2771, alternatively you can e-mail us at ECEP@westerncape.gov.za

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