Minister of Small Business Development, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has announced a second-wave of support programmes for informal, micro and small enterprises, which include cooperatives based in townships and villages. This is in addition to the Spaza Support Scheme initially implemented.
The move comes as businesses continues to bleed due to a nationwide lockdown that’s in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The country is also preparing for level 3 of the lockdown, which will see more businesses resume to operate.
“With the re-opening of the economy, the township and village economies require special focus if government is to achieve the aspirations of the new economy post-COVID-19 which were clearly articulated by President Cyril Ramaphosa”, says the Minister in a statement.
Entrepreneurs can apply from three different application schemes. These are small-scale bakeries and confectioneries support scheme, informal and small-scale clothing and textile support scheme and automotive aftermarkets support.
In the video below, is a discussion on the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses:
Application forms for the three schemes can be found on https://smmesa.gov.za/ from Wednesday.
Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) offices will be open to assist business owners to register with Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS). This will be done at the cost of the entrepreneur.
Below is the statement from the Department:
The department has also announced a new partnership with Standard Bank.
“The department of Small Business Development also wishes to announce that Standard Bank Bank also partnered with SEFA (Small Enterprise Finance Agency) on the Spaza Support Scheme, which adds to our already existing partnership with Nedbank. In addition, Spaza shop owners wanting more direct access may make an appointment to visit their nearest SEDA branch for assistance with applying for the Scheme,” reads the statement.
