HelenOnline, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Local convenience store owners now have fresh opportunity to upgrade and grow their businesses. The Spaza Shop Support Fund championed by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) has opened applications at spazashopfund.co.za. Good news for entrepreneurs aged 35 and older, you’re eligible too.
At the official Soweto launch, Minister Parks Tau described the R500 million fund as a cornerstone for economic transformation, supporting entrepreneurs and formalizing the informal sector.
Entrepreneurs can apply for up to R100 000 in combined financial and non-financial support designed to foster growth and sustainability.
- R40 000 grant for initial stock via delivery partners
- R50 000 blended grant/loan for shelving, refrigeration, security systems
- R10 000 non-financial support for training in inventory, digital payments, business compliance
By offering stock funding, equipment upgrades, and business training, the fund aims to:
- Strengthen township & rural economies
- Improve food safety and shop compliance
- Formalize informal traders
- Boost local job creation and owner empowerment
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens or naturalized before 1994
- Operate a spaza shop in a township or rural area
- Hold municipal registration and valid SARS status
- Register with CIPC if requesting over R80 000
- Actively manage the spaza shop
How to Apply
- Visit spazashopfund.co.za and click Apply
- Create an account
- Complete the registration form and attach required documents
- Submit and await feedback
- Need help? Contact 011 305 8080
Stay Secure & Avoid Fraud
Only apply through official portals:
- DSBD or NEF/SEDFA websites
Beware of scam agents asking for payment or claiming insider access.
