Looking for capital to grow your business? As an entrepreneur, you have more business funding options than ever.
Starting or growing a business in South Africa takes courage, vision and capital.
The good news is that, as an entrepreneur, startup or SME, you have more options available to you than ever before.
Business credit includes loans, asset finance and overdrafts from banks and credit providers. These options require repayment with interest and a strong credit record.
Typically used by: Established startups and SMEs with stable income or growth potential.
Government grants don’t need to be repaid – unlike many other business funding options.
Applications are often time-consuming and limited to businesses that meet specific development goals like job creation, BEE or growing the economy.
Examples of government grants: National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Isivande Women’s Fund and Black Industrialists Scheme (BIS).
Typically used by: Entrepreneurs contributing to job creation, transformation or economic growth.
Personal credit, such as personal loans, credit cards or access facilities, can be used to fund a business, but comes with personal financial risk.
Typically used by: Early-stage ventures with limited access to formal business funding.
With equity funding, you trade ownership in your business for capital.
This capital is not repaid monthly, but investors share in profits and have a say in decision-making.
Typically used by: High-growth businesses with long-term potential.
Venture capitalists back businesses that can deliver high returns in 5 to 7 years. They often take an active role in your business.
Typically used by: Scalable tech startups or disruptive innovations.
Angel investors are individuals, often successful entrepreneurs themselves, who provide early-stage funding and mentorship.
Typically used by: Founders with a strong vision and early traction.
