FAQ'S - Frequently Asked Questions

Does SMME Incentives fund or loan money to small businesses?
 

• SMME Incentiives finds funding sources for your business, and not funding directly. You will still need to make contact with the funding insitutions directly. The purpose of the website is to save you time, as it lists the funder's who can help your specific business, so you don't have to go a range of institutions, many of which will turn you down as you don't meet their criteria.

Are the institutions that can be found on this site reputable?
 

• The institutions that have been researched are government, private sector , NGO and foreign institutions. SMME Incentives have not audited each program, but offer the information as advertised by the institution. 

• The service level when dealing with these institutions in also not audited. We would like your comments on your experience if you engage with them.

How long will it take to receive the funding after the application is submitted ?
 

• Depending on the institution it will take a minimum of 4 weeks to receive funding. The various funder's each have their own process, which may require further submissions of information or interviews.

• For most applications its critical to have a bankable business plan. Funders will not take you seriously if your plan is not solid. If you would like a credible service provider to assist you with this, please ensure the relevant box is ticked in the search form. Charges will apply, but this is usually subsidised by a government voucher, which the service provider will help you with.

My industry sector is not on your list 
 

• This will mean there is no funding that the site has that is specific to your sector. Try the “ Services to industry and consumers” category, which lists more generic funds that are not very industry specific. If it still does not yield useful results, then contact us.

• If you are aware of a program which does provide funding to your industry sector, and the sector is not listed, please contact us so we can get it added on.

 The type of funding I require is not on your list
 

• This will mean there is no funding that the site has that is specific to what you require, e.g. website development. If you are unsure, click multiple funding types ( e.g. marketing,  information management systems, if you are looking specifically for website development funding. If it still does not yield useful results, then contact us.

• If you are aware of a program which does provide funding to the type you require ( e.g. website development) , and this type is not listed, please contact us so we can get it added on.

 How much does it cost to use this service to find funding sources for my business? 
 

• This service is free for SMME's

What funding types are not covered by this website ?

• This website does not focus on traditional funding like bank loans. The site also does not focus on venture capital at this stage. For more information on venture capital funding, visit www.savca.co.za