Free resource

Funding & Grants for
South African Tradespeople

16 curated programmes โ€” from SEFA loans to CETA levy rebates โ€” that your plumbing, electrical, building or painting business can actually apply for.

R50K โ€“ R10M+
Funding range
16
Programmes listed
100%
Free to access
Always verify eligibility and amounts directly with the funder before applying. Programmes change. Last reviewed June 2026.
SEFA Small Business Loan
Small Enterprise Finance Agency
Most accessible
R50 000 โ€“ R5 million
  • SA citizen
  • 51%+ SA-owned
  • All sectors incl. trades
  • Min 6 months trading
Visit Small Enterprise Finance Agency
NYDA Youth Fund
National Youth Development Agency
Under 35
R1 000 โ€“ R200 000
  • Age 18โ€“35
  • SA citizen
  • Business plan required
  • All trades welcome
Visit National Youth Development Agency
NEF Ugu Sizwe Fund
National Empowerment Fund
R250 000 โ€“ R10 million
  • 51%+ Black-owned
  • Viable business plan
  • Trades & construction eligible
Visit National Empowerment Fund
IDC SME Fund
Industrial Development Corporation
R1 million+
  • Growth-stage business
  • Job creation potential
  • Structured application
Visit Industrial Development Corporation
SEDA Business Incubation
Small Enterprise Development Agency
Free service
Free support (non-cash)
  • Any SA SME
  • Business mentoring
  • Market linkages
  • Compliance guidance
Visit Small Enterprise Development Agency
DTIC Black Industrialist Programme
Department of Trade, Industry & Competition
R10 million+
  • 51%+ Black-owned
  • Construction & manufacturing
  • Registered company
  • Min 2yrs trading
Visit Department of Trade, Industry & Competition
CETA Training Grants
Construction Education & Training Authority
Trade-specific
Levy rebates + discretionary grants
  • Registered construction employer
  • Paying SDL levy
  • Skills development plan
  • All construction trades
Visit Construction Education & Training Authority
ESETA Skills Grants
Energy & Water SETA
Trade-specific
Levy rebates (20โ€“50% of SDL)
  • Electricians & solar installers
  • Plumbers & water services
  • SDL-registered employer
Visit Energy & Water SETA
Gauteng Enterprise Propeller
GEP โ€” Gauteng Provincial
Gauteng
R10 000 โ€“ R500 000
  • Gauteng-based business
  • All sectors incl. trades
  • 51%+ SA-owned
Visit GEP
WESGRO Enterprise Development
Western Cape Investment & Trade Promotion
Western Cape
Varies by programme
  • Western Cape registered
  • Job creation focus
  • Construction & services eligible
Visit Western Cape Investment & Trade Promotion
ECDC Enterprise Finance
Eastern Cape Development Corporation
Eastern Cape
R50 000 โ€“ R10 million
  • Eastern Cape registered
  • Viable business plan
  • All trade sectors
Visit Eastern Cape Development Corporation
TIKZN Enterprise Development
Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal
KZN
Varies by programme
  • KZN-based business
  • Export or growth potential
  • Trades & construction welcome
Visit Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal
FNB Business Loan
First National Bank SME
R10 000 โ€“ R5 million
  • 12+ months trading
  • FNB business account
  • Positive cash flow
  • No bank grants required
Visit First National Bank SME
Standard Bank BizFlex
Standard Bank SME Finance
R10 000 โ€“ R2 million
  • SA registered business
  • 12+ months trading
  • Revolving credit facility
Visit Standard Bank SME Finance
Nedbank Business Loan
Nedbank SME Finance
R20 000 โ€“ R3 million
  • SA registered business
  • 24+ months trading
  • Audited financials for larger amounts
Visit Nedbank SME Finance
NHBRC Training Bursaries
National Home Builders Registration Council
Trade-specific
Bursaries + subsidised training
  • Home builders & contractors
  • NHBRC registered
  • Construction sector
Visit National Home Builders Registration Council

Before you apply โ€” get your records in order

Most funders want 3โ€“6 months of bank statements and a job history showing consistent revenue. JobOS keeps every quote, invoice and payment in one place โ€” ready to export as proof of income in seconds.

Professional job history PDF export
Bank-reconciled income records
Invoice register with payment status
Client list with job values
Try JobOS โ€” free to use
No credit card ยท Cancel anytime ยท Billed in Rands

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be registered to apply for these funds?
Most programmes require a CIPC-registered company, a valid tax clearance certificate (TCS PIN), and a business bank account. SEFA and NYDA both accept sole proprietors and close corporations.
How do I prove my business is viable when applying?
Lenders want to see 3โ€“6 months of bank statements, a simple business plan (even one page), and evidence of past jobs. JobOS lets you export a professional job history report instantly โ€” useful as supporting evidence.
Is B-BBEE certification required?
Not for most loans. NEF and DTIC programmes specifically target Black-owned businesses. For government tenders you will need a valid B-BBEE affidavit (EME level โ€” free for businesses under R10M turnover).
What is the CETA levy rebate and how does it work?
If you pay the Skills Development Levy (1% of your payroll via SARS), CETA gives up to 50% back as a Mandatory Grant if you submit a Workplace Skills Plan and Training Report annually. Discretionary grants cover apprenticeships.
Can a sole proprietor apply?
Yes. SEFA, NYDA, and most provincial funders accept sole proprietors. Converting to a (Pty) Ltd before applying improves approval rates for larger amounts.
How can JobOS help my funding application?
JobOS generates professional quotes, invoices, and job history reports that serve as revenue evidence for lenders. The bank reconciliation feature links your Rand income directly to your job records โ€” exactly what a funder needs to see.

Run a tighter business. Win more funding.

JobOS gives you the professional records funders want to see โ€” quotes, invoices, job history, bank-reconciled income.