Get help to grow business

ECONOMISTS say that since South Africa was ranked the most indebted country in the world, it was now difficult for business owners or small businesses to obtain loans from the banks.

Wits University s Dr Nicolas Pons-Vignon said although there was a big push to make small businesses work, there was also no evidence to show that they have been sustainable in the past, which makes borrowing money difficult.

However, the government has made other options available for small businesses.

The best place to research government funding would be through the Department of Trade and Industry by visiting www.thedti.gov.za. Some grants available include: Aquaculture Development and Enhancement Programme

The programme is available to registered entities involved in primary, secondary and ancillary aquaculture projects for both marine and fresh water. It is approved for new, existing and upgrading entities. Automotive Investment Scheme This scheme is designed to grow and develop the automotive industry through investment in new and replacement models and components that will increase production volumes, sustain and increase employment, and strengthen the automotive value chain.

Black Business Supplier Development Programme

This is a cost-sharing grant offered to black-owned businesses to improve their competitiveness and sustainability. It aims to fast-track small and microenterprises, foster links between blackowned businesses, corporates and the public sector, and to complement affirmative procurement and outsourcing. It provides grants to a maximum of R1million. Business Process Services This scheme aims to attract investment and create employment in South Africa through off-shoring activities. It involves a three-year tax-exempt grant for qualifying businesses.

Capital Projects Feasibility Programme

This programme is a cost-sharing grant contributing to the cost of feasibility studies for projects that will lead to increased local exports and stimulate the local manufacturing sector. Critical Infrastructure Programme This is aimed at improving infrastructure. The grant covers a minimum of 10% to a maximum of 30% of total development costs. The Cooperative Incentive Scheme This scheme is a 90:10 cost-sharing grant for registered primary cooperatives of five or more members to improve their viability and competitiveness. Incubation Support Programme This is designed to create and develop successful enterprises with the ability to revitalise communities and economies.

The Manufacturing Competitive Enhancement Programme

This provides enhanced manufacturing support to encourage facility upgrades to sustain employment and improve productivity.

Manufacturing Investment Programme

This programme is a reimbursable cash grant to local and foreign-owned manufacturers who wish to establish new facilities or expand on existing ones. National Youth Development Agency While it is moving away from grants towards mentorship and development, grants are available for youth entrepreneurs. Who can apply: The business needs to be majority blackowned.

It needs to have a significant representation of black managers.

Minimum and maximum turnovers vary from grant to grant.

The business must have a minimum of one Fields of studies % & ' ( ) year in trading.

The business must be a registered entity with a tax clearance certificate, VAT number, and so on.

The business must comply with all regulations such as Cipro and SARS.

All owners and major shareholders must have a clear credit history. Minimum requirements !" # ſ $ *