The Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) is one of South Africa’s most valuable business support institutions. It helps entrepreneurs start, manage and grow their small businesses — offering free training, registration assistance, and mentorship across all provinces.
💼 What Is SEDA?
SEDA operates under the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) and works with entrepreneurs from all sectors — including retail, manufacturing, services, and agriculture. It provides business development support, market access programs, and training workshops for new and existing business owners.
- Free business registration (CIPC assistance)
- Training on business planning and management
- Mentorship and coaching from experienced advisors
- Market access and funding guidance
🧾 How to Register a Business with SEDA
Registering your business through SEDA is a free and safe process. The agency assists individuals who struggle with online registration or compliance.
- Visit your nearest SEDA provincial office.
- Bring your valid South African ID and proof of address.
- Advisors will help you register your business with CIPC.
- You’ll also receive guidance on tax registration, business banking, and compliance certificates (such as BBBEE).
📚 Free Training & Workshops
SEDA regularly hosts entrepreneurship and business training programmes — both in-person and online. These cover critical areas like financial literacy, marketing, customer service, and business planning.
- Entrepreneurship training for startups
- Digital skills for small businesses
- Financial management and record-keeping
- Marketing and customer retention
Workshops are usually free and open to all South African citizens, especially youth and women entrepreneurs.
📍 SEDA Provincial Offices
SEDA has offices in every province. Visit or call your nearest branch for assistance:
- Gauteng – Johannesburg, Pretoria
- KwaZulu-Natal – Durban, Pietermaritzburg
- Western Cape – Cape Town, George
- Eastern Cape – Gqeberha, East London, Mthatha
- Limpopo – Polokwane, Thohoyandou
- Mpumalanga – Mbombela
- North West – Mahikeng, Rustenburg
- Free State – Bloemfontein
- Northern Cape – Kimberley
⚠️ Avoid Fraudulent “Consultants”
SEDA’s services are completely free of charge. Anyone asking for payment to register or train you under SEDA’s name is a scammer. Always confirm details through SEDA’s official website or your local DSBD office.
🔗 Related Resources
- NYDA Youth Grants →
- SEFA Small Business Loans →
- Small Business Grants South Africa →
- How to Register a Business in SA →
- Apply for Business Finance →
Source: SEDA, DSBD, MyInfoHub Business Desk
Disclaimer: MyInfoHub provides verified business information only. We do not process registrations or charge fees for SEDA services.
