Grants, DFIs & Tenders: SA Government Funding Finder
Answer a few questions to match your business to real South African government grants and development finance institutions, plus a live list of currently open government tenders. Covers SEFA, IDC, NEF, NYDA and more.
What sector is your business in?
Pick the closest match.
Your Funding Matches
Why sector matters
Many of SA's biggest funders are sector-specific. The IDC and dtic incentives, for example, heavily favour manufacturing, agro-processing and industrial projects that create jobs.
Good to know
Grants are competitive and take time. Most funders require CIPC registration, a tax number and a business bank account before you apply.
Grants, DFI Funding & Government Tenders in South Africa
South Africa has one of the most developed public funding ecosystems on the continent, from Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) like SEFA, the IDC and the NEF, to cost-sharing incentives run by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), to billions in open government and state-owned enterprise tenders published every month. The challenge for most entrepreneurs isn't a lack of opportunity; it's knowing which scheme fits their specific profile, and finding out a tender exists before it closes.
Grants (non-repayable)
Cost-sharing or full grants such as NYDA, the Co-operative Incentive Scheme (CIS) and dtic incentives. Highly competitive, tightly criteria-driven and slow, but you don't pay them back.
DFI loans & equity
State-backed finance from SEFA, the IDC and the NEF. Often below-market rates or patient capital, but you must show a viable, repayable business.
Government tenders
Real, currently open procurement opportunities from national departments, municipalities and SOEs like Eskom and Transnet, sourced directly from National Treasury's own open data.
A realistic word on timelines
Government grants and DFI approvals routinely take 3 to 12 months from application to disbursement, and require audited financials, a solid business plan and full compliance. Tenders move faster but are won on price and compliance, not need. Both are worth pursuing, but if you need capital sooner, it's wise to run a faster funding option in parallel while an application is processed.
Unlock your full results
One quick step to see your result and get notified about new tools and funding rounds.