NEF Funding Solutions & Specialist Funds
From early-stage contract finance to large industrial expansion and specialist sector funds, explore capital solutions tailored for black South African entrepreneurs.
Women Empowerment Fund
Targeted concessionary equity and debt finance dedicated exclusively to female black entrepreneurs across sectors.
Key Qualification Criteria:
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
Rural, Township & Community Development Fund
Catalysing economic development and commercial activity in South Africa's rural areas, townships, and community trusts.
- Community or black-owned legal entity base
- Direct local job creation and community benefit
Strategic Projects Fund (Venture Capital)
Early-stage project development finance for large-scale industrial projects aimed at re-industrialising South Africa.
- Significant national strategic economic impact
- High black industrialist participation
Women Empowerment Fund
Targeted concessionary equity and debt finance dedicated exclusively to female black entrepreneurs across sectors.
- Minimum 51% black female ownership and management control
- Clear operational involvement by female founders
Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF)
In partnership with the Department of Tourism, providing grant and debt funding to black-owned tourism enterprises.
- Minimum 51% black-owned tourism business
- Qualifying tourist accommodation or experience
Arts & Culture Venture Capital Fund
Capital dedicated to commercial creative ventures, cultural heritage projects, and creative industry infrastructure.
- 50.1% black ownership in creative sector
- Demonstrated commercial viability and intellectual property
Spaza Shop & Township Retail Support Fund
Dedicated working capital, refurbishment funding, and stock support for South African township retail store owners.
- 100% South African black-owned township retail enterprise
- Valid municipal permit and local trader registration