Finding the right funder among hundreds of options is one of the biggest time sinks for a South African SME chasing capital. Finfind was built specifically to solve that matching problem, and its footprint has kept growing.
What is Finfind?
Finfind is an online platform that helps business owners find and apply for business finance, matching them against a large, regularly updated database of SMME finance offerings from public and private sector funders in South Africa. The platform was founded in 2015 by Darlene Menzies, launched together with the Department of Small Business Development, the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) and USAID.
Who is it for?
Finfind targets all SMEs regardless of industry, though some funders on the platform require sole proprietors to convert to a (Pty) Ltd before they’ll consider an application. Most funders prefer businesses that have been trading for at least a year, although a handful of niche funders will still consider innovative startups.
What does it offer?
- Funder matching: once you complete Finfind’s assessment, you’re matched to appropriate funders and given a summary of each fund, how it works, the application process and full contact details.
- Funding education: a set of educational modules covering the challenges of accessing finance, different finance products, different funder types, and government funding options.
What does it cost?
Finfind is free for SMEs to use.
Is Finfind still active?
Yes, and it has continued expanding its government and provincial partnerships. In 2026, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Western Cape provincial government have both partnered with Finfind to widen digital access to funding for MSMEs in their regions, on top of its existing national database.
How much time does it take?
Finfind isn’t a structured programme with a fixed duration, it’s an on-demand online tool. The only real time commitment is completing the funding-readiness assessment form, after which you receive your matched funds and their contact details.
How do I get started?
The platform is free and accessible anytime at finfind.co.za.
Frequently asked questions
Does Finfind charge SMEs to use its matching service?
No, Finfind is free for SME users. Funders on the platform cover their own listing arrangements separately.
Do I need to be trading for a minimum period before applying?
Most funders on Finfind prefer businesses trading for at least a year, though a smaller number of niche funders will consider earlier-stage, innovative startups.
Can sole proprietors use Finfind?
Yes, though some funders on the platform require sole proprietors to convert to a (Pty) Ltd company before they’ll fund an application.
Is Finfind only useful for finding a loan?
No. Its database spans startup finance, expansion finance, equity finance, asset finance, invoice/debtor finance, franchise finance and grant funding, among other product types.
Matching yourself to the right funder
For an SME that has already worked out roughly what kind of finance it needs, Finfind remains one of the fastest ways to narrow hundreds of funding options down to the handful genuinely worth applying to.
Originally published in January 2020. Updated September 2026 to confirm Finfind is still active and has expanded its government funding partnerships. Fund availability changes regularly, so complete Finfind’s own assessment for your current best matches.
