How to access support through the Small Enterprise Manufacturing Support Programme

Small-scale manufacturers operating in townships, rural towns and villages can access financial and non-financial support through the Small Enterprise Manufacturing Support Programme (SEMSP). The programme aims to stimulate local economic growth by helping manufacturers expand their operations, improve production capacity and access new markets.

Who can benefit?

The programme supports:

• Furniture manufacturers, including coffin makers.
• Manufacturers and suppliers of iron and steel products.
• Manufacturers of chemical and related products.
• Agro-processors.

Support includes business development services, technical skills development, infrastructure support and opportunities to access new markets.

The programme also seeks to build partnerships with key stakeholders in the manufacturing sector.

What support is available?

Financial support

Qualifying businesses may receive funding for:

• Machinery and equipment.
• Working capital.
• Product accreditation, certification and testing.

Funding terms

Businesses can apply for funding of up to R15 million.

• Up to 20% of the approved amount may be provided as a grant where necessary.
• Repayment periods of up to 84 months may be approved, depending on the business’s cash flow.
• A capital and interest moratorium of up to six months may be considered.
• Loans are repayable at the prime lending rate.

What documents are required?

Applicants may be required to submit:

• Company statutory documents.
• FICA documents.
• Certified copies of directors’ or members’ identity documents.
• Six months’ bank statements.
• Latest Annual Financial Statements and/or management accounts (where applicable).
• Business profile.
• Project Execution Plan.
• Twelve months’ cash-flow projections, with assumptions (where applicable).
• Lease agreement or proof of property ownership.
• Relevant industry certifications (where applicable).
• Contracts or purchase orders.
• Facility statements from other funders (where applicable).
• Quotations relating to the funding application (where applicable).

Do you qualify?

To be considered for support, businesses must:

• Be registered as a legal entity in South Africa.
• Be 100% South African-owned.
• Have been operating for at least two years.
• Be at least 51% black-owned.
• Have a management team that is at least 51% black.
• Be registered and compliant with the South African Revenue Service (where applicable).
• Be registered on the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation's Innovation Bridge Portal: https://innovationbridge.info/ibportal/ 

This information was supplied by the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency.

For more information about the Small Enterprise Manufacturing Support Programme and available support opportunities, visit: www.sedfa.org.za