How to get funding for your business during the COVID-19 lock down

Has your business suffered during the COVID-19 lock down? Here are some places where you can access funding for your company or small business.

By Fred Felton

Apr. 10, 2020

Image: https://pixabay.com/users/FirmBee-663163

With the President of South Africa having extended the lock down to the end of April you might need to access some much needed funding for your business. Thanks to the government and various organisations there are various options for you whether it be a grant, a loan or a different selling outlet for your business.

Here are some of the options to look at:

COVID-19 SMME EMERGENCY FUNDING PACKAGE

This funding is provided by the Department of Small Buisiness Development, SEDA and SEFA. This funding is split between a Business Growth Facility, SMME Relief Finance and a restructuring of sefa-funded SMME’s. To access this fund you first have to register on the national SMME database. There   are a number of qualifying criteria which you need to be aware of when you apply.

For more info visit: www.smmesa.gov.za  or email info@dsbd.gov.za

You can also call the hotline on 0860-663-7867

IDC COVID-19 ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES INTERVENTION

The IDC is providing financing for a variety of companies involved in essential services especially emergency services. If you provide any of these products you can apply: Disinfectants, sanitizers, masks, test-kits, medical gloves, packaging, toilet paper, wipes, tissues, sanitary pads, cleaning materials, chemicals, approved drugs, ventilators and filters, nebulisers, hospital beds, oxygen, aprons, safety visors, various raw materials. There is a great deal of qualifying documents you will need to have.

For more info visit: https://www.idc.co.za/2020/03/24/idc-interventions-in-response-to-covid-19/

Email: callcentre@idc.co.za  or Call: 0860-693-888

NATIONAL EMPOWERMENT FUND MANAGING A R200M COVID-19 INTERVENTION FUND ON BEHALF OF DTI

This fund will assist manufacturers that deal in the following: health care related products. You need to provide valid or verifiable orders. The funds can be used for working capital or acquiring equipment. This fund is for majority BEE owned companies.

For more info visit:  Application Form

TOURISM RELIEF FUND FOR SMME’S

This fund provides a once-off grant for small micro and medium sized enterprises in the tourism sector. The fund is capped at R50 000. There are various criteria which you will need to qualify for. It is aimed at Hotels, Lodges, B&B’s, Guest Houses, Backpackers, Restaurants (not attached to hotels); Conference Venues (not attached to hotels); professional catering, attractions, Tour operators, Travel agents, Tourist guiding, Car rental companies and Coach operators.

For more info visit: https://www.tourism.gov.za/Pages/COVID19TOURISMRELIEFFUND.aspx

Email: covidrelief@tourism.gov.za

PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN PROVIDING ASSISTANCE

Proudly SA is helping companies with supply chain problems at the moment and will be referring qualifying companies to the DTI for help.

For more info visit: www.proudlysa.co.za or email:  deryn@proudlysa.co.za

You can also join Proudly South African and load your products onto www.rsamade.co.za where clients can buy them. This gives you a platform for online shopping and ecommerce.

#ImStaying And Zapper Join Forces To Help Small Business

The #ImStaying Movement are working together to help out small business with vouchers and donations.

Jarette Petzer, CEO of #ImStaying says, ''The service is 100% zero rated, which means there is no cost to small business and no risk.''

Brett White, CEO of Zapper mentioned, ''We are extremely excited to be partnering with #ImStaying to spread the word and grow support for small business. They need all the help they can get.''

The way it works is that customers select a local business they would like to support in their area through the Zapper app. Donations and or vouchers go directly to the business.

For more info visit www.zapper.co.za 


#ImStaying Vouchers Food Vouchers Campaign

The #ImStaying movement have also launched a food vouchers campaign with BackaBuddy. All funds will be donated to members in need. The vouchers will be converted into shopping vouchers.

If you would like to donate visit: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/ivouchforyou

If you need a food voucher visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hashtagimstaying 


ARTISTS RELIEF GRANTS 

BASA (Business and Arts South Africa) have a artists relief grant for creatives infected or affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It can help with income due to cancelled events or for medication or prescriptions. 

For more info visit: https://www.basa.co.za/home-page/growth/supporting-grants-2/artist-relief-grant/

VULNERABLE ARTISTS FUND

This fund is for visual artists that deal in the following mediums: Drawing, Printmaking, Painting and Sculpture.

To apply visit: https://artistproofstudio.co.za/pages/vulnerable-artist-fund?fbclid=IwAR2XN2QYazzUxwLiQlG-F--olsMEMZIKutQ4XU132Ck193BMjMnMLPPidNA


AGRICULTURAL DISASTER SUPPORT FUND FOR SMALLHOLDER AND COMMUNAL FARMERS

This fund is available via the Department of Agriculture for farmers.

For more info visit: www.daff.gov.za


SPAZA SHOPS AND GENERAL DEALERS SUPPORT SCHEME

The Department of Small Business Development has finalised an agreement to support Spaza Shops and General Dealers via a Khula Credit Guarantee Scheme of the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA).

Various support models are available.

For more info call 0860 663 7867 or email: Spazasupport@dsbd.gov.za


SOCIAL RELIEF OF DISTRESS GRANT

This is for people who are unemployed during this time to help them through the lock down.
You must be over 18, unemployed, not receiving any income, not receiving a social grant, not receiving any unemployment benefit, not receiving a National Student Finacial Aid Scheme stipend and not resident in a government funded or subsidised institution.

To apply send a WhatsApp message to 0600 123 456 or email: SRD@sassa.gov.za.

You will need your ID number, name and surname as it is in your ID (and initials). Gender and Disability, Banking Details, Contact Details and Proof of residential address.