CURRENT ROADMAP
FUNDING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS WE ARE LOOKING AT FOR YOU
SEDA Technology Programme
Focus
Tech startups & innovation.
Grant
Up to R600 000 per project; non-repayable
Timeline
Check SEDA/ESD website for round-specific opening; subject to periodic calls.
Ideal Candidate
Tech-driven SME with growth and innovation plan.
Tholoana Enterprise Programme (SAB Foundation)
Focus
Broad entrepreneurship; emphasis on youth, women, black-owned.
Funding
No direct grant; graduates may later access R200 000–R10 million loan via "Financing For Impact"
Timeline
18-month programme; next round (2025) deadline was 9 Sept 2024 for Cohort start in 2025. 2025 alumni loan window: 8 May–7 July 2025
Participants
4 director-shareholders can rotate through; management can fill in.
IDC Gro‑E Youth Scheme
Focus
Youth-owned businesses.
Funding
Loans from R1 million to R50 million at prime – 3%
Timeline
Application timelines not listed—monitor IDC calls.
Ideal Candidate
Youth-led, scalable enterprise.
Financing For Impact (SAB)
Focus
Alumni of SAB Foundation programmes.
Loan
R200 000–R10 million at prime +3% max
Window
8 May–7 July 2025 for current window.
French South African Tech Labs
Focus
Tech entrepreneurs in SA.
Funding
R10 million investment pool
Timeline
Apply when call opens (check SEDA/partners sites).
IDC Venture Capital Fund
Focus
High-growth ventures (tech & others).
Funding
VC investments (unspecified amounts); requires business plan.
Timeline
Periodic; watch IDC site.
Additional Programmes to Consider
SAB Foundation Social Innovation Awards & Disability Empowerment
Focus
Social impact; also targets women, youth & disabilities.
Funding
Awards include grants up to ~R1.3 million
Timeline
Annual—2025 winners announced in 2024. Expect 2026 round opening late 2025.
TIA Innovation Calls
Call 1
BRICS Young Innovator Prize (8th edition).
Call 2
SA‑Russia Joint Innovation.
Funding
Typically R250 000–R1 million for research/tech innovation.
Timeline
Watch TIA site; current calls open now.
Consolidated Roadmap
Additional Funding Opportunities
(Aug 2025–2028)
Youth Challenge Fund (DSBD, SA)
1
Who
Youth-owned startups in South Africa
2
What
Seed funding, working capital
3
When
Annual calls; likely open Q4 2025 and recurring through 2028
4
Why
Supports young entrepreneurs with grants and development services
NYDA Grant Programme
Who
South African youth entrepreneurs
What
Grants + non-financial support (mentorship, training, market linkages)
When
Rolling year-round (monitor quarterly)
NEF Women Empowerment Fund
Who
Black women-owned businesses
What
R250 000–R75 million in debt/equity financing
When
Ongoing; ideal to apply Aug–Sep 2025 for 2026 deployment
FoundHers Labs Program
Who
Early-stage, tech-enabled Black-women-led businesses
What
3-month hybrid accelerator + mentorship
When
Deadline August 18, 2025; cohorts likely arranged mid-2026
Grindstone South Africa Startup Accelerator
Who
South African startups (including women, youth, tech)
What
Accelerator programme – ongoing applications
When
Apply by Q4 2025; runs quarterly cohorts
Irish Tech Challenge South Africa
Who
Tech startups in SA
What
Up to €10 000 + mentorship + trip to Ireland
When
Deadline July–Aug annually; expect 2026 call in mid‑2026
Investec Youth Entrepreneurship Programme
Who
Young entrepreneurs with turnover >R1 million
What
Market readiness + financing; mixed training
When
Cohorts likely in Q3 2025 and annually thereafter
UnLtd South Africa
Who
Social entrepreneurs
What
Stage-based grants, mentorship, network
When
Annual cycle; applications open early each year
ESASTAP (EU-SA R&D Programme)
Who
Research-driven or tech collaboration SA–EU
What
Research grants linked to Horizon Europe
When
Rolling topics via calls tied to EU cycles
African Women's Development Fund (AWDF)
Who
Women's rights and empowerment groups (grants to organizations)
What
USD10 000–20 000 grants yearly
When
Annual open call—monitor late‑2025 for 2026 grants
Women in Tech Africa (WiTA) Initiatives
Who
Female tech entrepreneurs (18–40)
What
Training, mentorship, tech workshops (#HerFuture Africa)
When
Bi-annual events; major boot camps mid‑year
Consolidated Roadmap (2025–2028)
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