What types of government funding are available for small businesses and start-ups in South Africa?
The South African government offers a range of funding types, including grants, incentives, and equity funding, managed by various departments and agencies such as the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), National Empowerment Fund (NEF), Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), and Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa). Grants are often non-repayable, while incentives are typically paid after an event or achievement. Many are aimed at specific groups, such as youth, black industrialists, women, or businesses in specific sectors (e.g., tourism, green energy, agriculture, arts and culture, clothing and textiles, technology).