Apply for Business Funding
Fast, transparent, and stress-free. Access funding quickly and easily to capitalise on new opportunities and achieve your business goals.
Business Funding Options Tailored To Your Needs
Mezzanine Funding
Mezzanine financing is a non-traditional form of funding that borrows against shares of the company, meaning that if the borrower defaults, the lender receives shares to cover the debt. The funds are usually used for key financial growth moments.
Invoice Finance
Businesses unlock the value by borrowing against it, ultimately securing funding that helps as a cash flow injection. This type of short-term solution allows you to access a line of credit based on the invoices you have issued without other collateral.
Asset Finance
Asset finance helps businesses to unlock funding based on their balance sheet assets. It offers SMEs a more flexible and efficient way to get the equipment, vehicles and technology they need, without the constraints associated with traditional bank loans.
How it works
Quick & Easy Small
Business Financing
Step 1
Apply Online
Simple & Efficient.
Step 2
Receive an Offer
Save you time & effort.
Step 3
Get Funds within 24 hours
Faster Funding Decisions.
Requirements

Registered Business
Your business must be registered and operational for 12 consecutive months

Minimum Turnover
Make at least R50k for the past 6 months or R500k a year to qualify

Complete Application
Once you meet all the requirements, complete the application within 5 minutes
My Loan Estimator & Calculator
Use this tool to estimate your potential monthly repayments based on your borrowing needs. (Maximum borrowing capacity is R5,000,000).
R 50,0000
3 Months
10%
Estimated Monthly Cost
R 18,333
Total Interest Paid: R 5,000
Total Repayment: R 625,000
Funding Insights
Frequently asked questions
As your trusted partner, we’re here to answer any questions
Who qualifies for funding?
To qualify for funding, a business must:
- Be a South African company registered with the CIPC.
- Have been operating for a minimum of six months.
- Maintain an active business bank account.
- Demonstrate an average monthly turnover exceeding R50,000.
What types of small business loans are available?
Several financing solutions can help manage your working capital in South Africa:
- Working capital loans: These traditional loans from banks or alternative lenders provide a lump sum to cover day-to-day operational costs, like inventory purchases or payroll.
- Purchase order funding: This solution helps businesses with confirmed purchase orders but lacks immediate cash flow. The lender advances a portion of the order value, allowing you to fulfil the order and pay your suppliers, with repayment coming from the customer’s payment.
- Inventory financing: This option provides funds specifically to purchase inventory, with the inventory itself often acting as collateral. You can access the funds needed to stock up and fulfil orders while managing your cash flow.
Remember, each solution has different requirements and costs. It’s crucial to compare options and research lenders to find the best fit for your specific business needs and financial situation.
How do I know if my business is eligible for funding?
Eligibility for funding can vary depending on the specific program or lender. However, some general factors lenders consider include the stage of your business, your industry, your financial history, and your business plan. SME South Africa guides preparing your business for funding and resources to help you assess your eligibility.
What is the process for applying for funding through SME South Africa?
Applying for funding is simple. Start by filling out our online application form, providing essential details about your business and funding needs. Our experienced team will then review your application and work with you to gather any additional documentation required. Once approved, funds are typically disbursed swiftly to help you achieve your business goals.
Are there specific industries or sectors that SME South Africa specializes in funding?
While we support businesses across various industries, we have particular expertise in funding sectors such as retail, manufacturing, technology, hospitality, and professional services. However, we encourage SMEs from all sectors to reach out and explore funding opportunities with us.
What sets SME South Africa apart from other funding providers?
At SME South Africa, we prioritize the success of our clients by offering personalized service, competitive rates, and flexible terms. Our team understands the unique challenges faced by SMEs and is committed to providing tailored funding solutions that empower businesses to thrive and grow. With our expertise and dedication, we aim to be your trusted partner in achieving your business objectives.



