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Why choose sefa?
Access to finance is one of the biggest hurdles small businesses in South Africa face.
The Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa) provides development finance to SMMEs and Co-operatives that are not able to attract commercial credit. sefa is committed to providing these entities with the best service and expertise, and strives to do so in innovative and creative ways.


What we do
The Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa) provides financial products and services to qualifying SMMEs and cooperatives, as defined in the National Small Business Act of 1996 and amended in 2004, through a hybrid of wholesale and direct lending channels within the following sectors:
- Services (including retail and wholesale trades and tourism)
- Manufacturing (including agro-processing)
- Agriculture (specifically land reform beneficiaries and contract-farming activities)
- Construction (small construction contractors)
- Mining (specifically small-scale miners)
- Green industries (renewable energy, waste and recycling management)
Products
Business Recovery Package
Find out moreThe Business Recovery Package (BRP) is a blended finance scheme aimed at assisting uninsured businesses that were negatively affected by the recent vandalism and looting in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Direct Lending Products
Find out moresefa provides loans directly to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and cooperatives operating in all sectors of the economy. The facilities range from a minimum of R50 000 to a maximum of R15-million.
Informal Traders Support Programme
Find out moreThe Informal Trader Support Programme will support informal and micro businesses in the informal sector following the recent unrest.
Small Enterprise Manufacturing Support
Find out moreThe Small Enterprise Manufacturing Support Programme (SEMSP) is targeted at growing townships, rural towns and villages’ economies, by providing support to small-scale manufacturers.
Spaza-Shop Support Programme
Find out moreThe spaza-shop support programme is targeted at township and rural entrepreneurs who own spaza shops, general dealers or grocery stores.
Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP)
Find out moreThe Township and Rural Empowerment Programmes (TREP) supports informal, micro and small enterprises and cooperatives in the rural and township economies.
Wholesale Lending Products
Find out moreThrough its wholesale lending, sefa provides facilities (debt/equity) to intermediaries, joint venture, partnerships (Specialised Funds) and other collaborative relationships.
Youth Challenge Fund
Find out moreIn line with National Youth Policy, the YCF will be providing support to youth start-up businesses and enterprises.

How to apply for funding
Apply nowLatest News & Events
- 7 Apr 2022
- - Newsletter
Our latest newsletter - Asibonisane e-newsletter: let's connect
Read moreIn our latest newsletter we spotlight the Amavulandlela Funding Scheme and our SMME roadshows. Our CEO gives some advice we help with common application pitfalls.
- 17 Mar 2022
- - Press release
Financial assistance for entrepreneurs with disabilities
Read moreThe sefa Amavulandlela Funding Scheme is set to usher businesses of entrepreneurs with disabilities into the mainstream economy.
- 16 Feb 2022
- - Alert
Scam alert
Read morePlease note that there is currently a scam doing the rounds about a township progressing business forum fund.
- 17 Nov 2021 01:00 AM
- - 17 Nov 2021 12:00 PM
Amavulindlela Funding Scheme Webinar
Read moresefa will be hosting a webinar about the Amavulindlela Funding Scheme, a funding scheme for entrepreneurs with a disability.
- 17 Aug 2021
- - Press release
Last call to apply for assistance from sefa for businesses rebuilding after looting and unrest
Read moreSince the beginning of August, the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa) has been working to assist small businesses affected by the devastating recent looting and unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
- 21 Jun 2021
- - Press release
sefa encourages young entrepreneurs to access funding in Youth Month
Read moreThe Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa) believes that assisting young entrepreneurs is vital for South Africa’s economy, and will boost efforts to achieve the country’s National Development Plan 2030 goals.
- 26 Apr 2021
- - Press release
Small Enterprise Finance Agency offers ray of hope to beleaguered small-business owners
Read moreFreedom Day in South Africa celebrates the country’s first democratic election in 1994 after the demise of the apartheid regime. This year, though, for many small-business owners there will be no celebrations.
- 21 Jan 2021
- - Press release
The Small Enterprise Finance Agency responds to DA allegations that 92% of Covid-19 relief money is unused
Read moreThe Department of Small Business Development and The Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa) refute allegations made by DA spokesperson on Small Business Development, Jan de Villiers.
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To follow up on your application status
Contact: 012 748 9600
Email: helpline@sefa.org.za