Backing ambition.
Building an inclusive economy.
Explore funding and business support to help black-owned businesses start, grow and contribute to South Africa’s future.
A clearer route to the right funding.
Select your business stage and sector to filter relevant NEF funding products and view required criteria.
Matching Funding Products (12)
View full directory →Procurement Equity Fund
Funding black entrepreneurs who have secured business contracts or purchase orders from public or private sector entities.
- Minimum 50.1% black ownership
- Valid, verifiable contract or purchase order
Franchise Fund
Supporting black entrepreneurs acquiring new or existing franchise opportunities with accredited franchisors.
- 50.1% black ownership and management control
- Approved franchisor approval or preliminary agreement
Entrepreneur Growth Fund
Flexible capital to assist established early-stage black enterprises expand operations, purchase equipment, or enter new markets.
- 50.1% black ownership required
- Minimum 12 months trading history
Expansion Capital Fund
Growth capital for established black-owned businesses seeking to scale capacity, acquire assets, or pursue capital expenditure.
- Minimum 25.1% black ownership (preference for majority)
- Strong historical financial track record
Acquisition Funding Fund
Financing black equity participants acquiring equity stakes or outright ownership in existing operating companies.
- Substantial black shareholding post-transaction
- Target company must demonstrate profitability
New Markets Fund
Supporting greenfield projects and early commercialisation of innovative South African industries with high growth potential.
- Black shareholding target above 50.1%
- Feasibility study and bankable business plan
Life-to-date performance milestones.
Approved for black entrepreneurs
Direct financial support for transformation
Jobs supported
Creating sustainable livelihoods
Projects co-invested
Leveraged for black industrialists
Unqualified external audits
Clean governance & institutional stewardship
Note: Figures represent cumulative approvals and co-investment since inception.
Explore full performance reportInvestee stories from across South Africa.
Factual case studies of black industrialists, women founders, and infrastructure pioneers funded by NEF.
Mining & InfrastructureOnkabetse Civils and Mining
A 100% black-owned civil engineering and heavy equipment mining services provider that expanded its fleet with NEF growth funding, enabling long-term contract execution with top tier mining houses.
Greenro Solutions
A black female-led sustainable manufacturing business specializing in eco-friendly polymer packaging and industrial recycling solutions built with seed and expansion financing.
Dika Plastic Pipes
High-grade HDPE pipe manufacturer supplying municipal water infrastructure projects, established with NEF industrial co-investment funding to scale production capacity.
Your next chapter starts with preparation.
Review requirements, assemble your compliance documentation, and test your readiness before accessing the official NEF application portal.
NEF never charges application fees at any stage. Ready applications proceed directly to the secure portal.
Explore the funding options
Identify whether iMbewu, uMnotho, Rural/Township or Specialist funds suit your capital requirement.
Review the relevant criteria
Ensure minimum 50.1% black ownership, operational participation, and sector-specific qualifications.
Prepare required documents
Gather CIPC registration, tax clearance, certified IDs, bank statements, financial projections, and contracts.
Continue to official portal
Submit your application securely through the official NEF online portal at online.nefcorp.co.za.
Official reports & governance downloads.
NEF Integrated Annual Report 2024/25
Comprehensive financial statement, governance overview, and developmental impact reporting covering R17.0 billion approved investments.
Entrepreneur Application Readiness Manual & Checklist
Step-by-step guidance on business plan preparation, financial documentation, BEE verification, and submission steps for NEF funds.
PAIA & Protection of Personal Information Manual
Official statutory information manual in terms of Section 14 of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) and POPIA compliance.
Offices in all 9 provinces.
Call our national helpline or visit your nearest regional office for guidance on funding applications.