The Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) helps South Africans grow their small businesses with affordable funding options. SEFA provides loans and guarantees to startups, micro-enterprises, and small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) across all industries.
💡 What Is SEFA?
SEFA is a government agency under the Department of Small Business Development. It focuses on supporting entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional bank loans. Through various funding programmes, SEFA helps business owners access working capital, equipment finance, and contract funding.
- Microloans – From R500 to R150,000 for informal or micro-enterprises
- Direct Loans – Up to R5 million for registered small businesses
- Wholesale Lending – For institutions and cooperatives that fund other small businesses
✅ Who Qualifies for SEFA Loans?
To qualify for SEFA financial support, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen with a valid ID
- Own or operate a registered small or micro business
- Have a viable business plan and financial projections
- Be able to demonstrate repayment ability or existing business income
- Comply with tax and business registration laws
📋 How to Apply for SEFA Funding
- Visit the official SEFA website or local provincial office.
- Prepare your documents:
- Valid ID and proof of address
- CIPC registration certificate
- 6 months of bank statements
- Business plan and cash flow projections
- Complete the SEFA loan application form.
- Submit your documents via email or in person at a SEFA partner office.
- Wait for assessment and feedback (usually 4–8 weeks).
💼 What SEFA Funds Can Be Used For
- Buying machinery or production equipment
- Covering operational costs
- Fulfilling purchase orders or contracts
- Expanding business operations or product lines
🌍 SEFA Provincial Offices
- Gauteng – Pretoria, Johannesburg
- KwaZulu-Natal – Durban
- Western Cape – Cape Town
- Eastern Cape – Gqeberha, East London
- Limpopo – Polokwane
- Mpumalanga – Nelspruit
- North West – Mahikeng
- Free State – Bloemfontein
- Northern Cape – Kimberley
⚠️ Scam Alert
SEFA never uses WhatsApp, Facebook, or paid agents to approve loans. Applications are free of charge and handled only via the official SEFA portal or recognized partners.
📚 Related Resources
- NYDA Youth Startup Grants →
- SEDA Business Advisory Support →
- How to Apply for Business Finance →
- Small Business Grants in South Africa →
Source: SEFA, DSBD, MyInfoHub Business Desk
Disclaimer: MyInfoHub provides verified funding information only. We do not collect personal details or process applications.
