Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) - Black Industrialists Scheme (BIS)

This incentive programme aims to fast-track the participation of black industrialists in the South African economy. Currently, the key focus is on supporting businesses that operate in any of the following areas:

• Blue/ocean economy, including vessel building and repair.
  
• Oil and gas.
  
• Clean technology and energy.
  
• Mineral beneficiation.
  
• Aerospace, rail and automotive components.
  
• Industrial Infrastructure.
  
• Information communication technologies.
  
• Agro-processing.
  
• Clothing, textiles/leather and footwear.
  
• Pulp, paper and furniture.
  
• Chemicals, pharmaceuticals and plastics.
  
• Nuclear.
  
• Manufacturing-related logistics.
  
• Designated sectors for localisation.
  

The scheme offers a cost-sharing grant ranging from 30% to 50% to approved entities, to a maximum of R50 million. The total amount of the grant will depend on the level of black ownership and management control, the economic benefit of the project and the project value. 

The following costs are eligible for funding:

• Capital investment costs.
  
• Feasibility studies towards a bankable business plan (to a maximum of 3% of projected investment project cost or R3m).
  
• Post-investment support (to a maximum of R500 000).
  
• Business development services (to a maximum of R2 million).
  

Other manufacturing activities may be considered based on economic impact in terms of job creation, geographic spread and strengthening supply chains.

Eligibility criteria

• The business must be a registered legal entity in South Africa.
  
• A valid tax clearance certificate is required.
  
• The business must be involved in starting a new operation or in expanding or upgrading an existing operation, or the acquisition of an existing business/operation.
  
• The business must operate in one of the areas listed above.
  
• The business must have more than 50% BEE shareholding and management control. 
  
• A valid B-BBEE certificate of compliance is required. 
  
• BEE owners must be directly involved in the day-to-day running of the operation and must have the requisite expertise in the sector.
  
• The project to be funded requires a minimum investment of R30 million.
  
• It must be shown that the project will result in job creation.
  

Application process

Before submitting an application, please ensure that you read the IMPORTANT NOTICE for the BIS. 

Businesses wishing to apply for funding must be allocated an enquiry number before submitting an application. 

Programme guidelines can be found here.

The application form can be downloaded here and the supporting document checklist can be found here.

The application form and supporting documents must be submitted via email.