Provincial

1) Department of Economic Development and Tourism

The Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism offers a variety of programmes to develop and grow the small business sector. Find out what support and services are available from the Department.  

2) Junior Achievement SA (JASA)

JASA runs the following 3 programmes that encourage youth entrepreneurship:

• Environmental Entrepreneurs Programme
• Mini-Enterprise Programme 
• Youth Enterprise Development Programme 

3) Cape Agency for Sustainable Integrated Development in Rural Areas (Casidra)

Casidra focuses on improving the social and economic wellbeing of citizens who live in rural areas. Community development projects are aimed at reducing poverty, and to facilitate economic empowerment and sustainability. Ultimately helping to establish self-sufficient communities.

4) Red Tape Reduction Unit

Our Red Tape Reduction Unit helps businesses cut through red tape and get around bureaucracy. It has identified several issues raised by businesses, including: 

• bureaucratic officials,
• a lack of coordination between agencies and departments, 
• a lack of clarity about government's objectives, processes and timeframes,
• not enough transparent decision-making,
• the inconsistent interpretation of rules,
• no connection between the regulator and business, and
• a lack of accountability regarding decision-making. 

For any red tape related queries, please contact the Western Cape Government Red Tape Call Centre by:

• calling 0861 888 126,
• sending an email to redtape@westerncape.gov.za, or
• visiting the Red Tape Reduction website.

National

1) National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) 

The NYDA helps create opportunities for youth employment and youth entrepreneurship by developing, funding and supporting effective programmes, that help finance new businesses or develop an existing one.

For help, contact a NYDA branch by searching the NYDA Branch Locator.

2) Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA)

SEDA’s mission is to develop, support and promote small enterprises throughout the country, ensuring their growth and sustainability in coordination and partnership with various role players, including global partners, who make international best practices available to local entrepreneurs. Find out more.

3) Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

The DTI itself administers several incentive schemes and cash grants to help entrepreneurs start and grow their own business, including:

• Black Business Supplier Development Programme (BBSDP)
• Co-operative Incentive Scheme (CIS)
• Incubation Support Programme (ISP)
• Seda Technology Programme (STP)
• Support Programme for Industrial Innovation (SPII)

4) Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)

The IDC offers a range of financial products for small businesses, including:

• commercial loans
• equity
• quasi-equity
• bridging finance
• shareware housing
• guarantees
• suspensive sales
• wholesale finance
• export finance
• import finance
• support programmes for industrial innovation

Detailed information on each of these products, application forms, procedures and guidelines are available on the IDC website.

5) Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA)

The mandate of SEFA is to foster the establishment, survival and growth of SMMEs and contribute towards poverty alleviation and job creation. SEFA has a regional footprint of 9 offices around the country.

For more information please visit the SEFA website .