The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) is re-launching the Asset Assist Programme which was previously implemented through the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (Sedfa).

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are hereby invited to submit applications for assistance with machinery, equipment, working capital and acquisition of raw material from a maximum grant of R250 000. Only up to 20% of the total grant applied for, may be used for
raw materials and stock.

All qualifying MSMEs including those who applied in the previous Call for Applications but did not get the financial support are invited to re-apply.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• South African-owned MSMEs registered with the CIPC and tax compliant.
• Sole proprietors with valid documentation and tax compliant.
The programme excludes:
• Co-operatives
• MSMEs with a turnover of more than R1 million
• MSMEs who were previously funded through the Asset Assist Programme

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• CIPC Registration Documents.
• Company profile for the applying business.
• FICA Documents for the Directors (i.e. Certified ID of owners and Proof of Residence).
• Confirmation of Tax compliance by SARS for the applying business.
• Proof of Address for the applying business.
• 12 months financial projections for the applying business.
• 12 months financial statements or management accounts for an existing business.
• Existing businesses must submit proof of a valid business bank account including the latest one (1) months’ business bank statements.
• Start-up businesses must provide the latest bank account confirmation letter.
• All employees of the applying business must be legally permitted to work in South Africa and where non-citizens are employed, valid work permits, or permanent residency documentation must be submitted.
• Indicative Quotation(s) for the required assets and or services.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online at:
https://systemsnew.sefa.org.za/SMMEPortal

CLOSING DATE: 09 JANUARY 2026, AT 23H59

DSBD reserves the right to conduct physical verifications to confirm the business’ existence and also reserves the right to process applications on a first-come, first-served basis, and may close the call due to budget constraints. Applicants who were unsuccessful in the previous call(s) for applications are eligible to apply. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.