National Empowerment Fund (NEF) - iMbewu Fund - Entrepreneurship Finance

This Fund focuses on providing funding to black entrepreneurs who wish to:

• Start a new business.
  
• Expand an existing business.
  

The funding ranges from R250 000 to a maximum of R15m and can be structured as a loan or as an equity investment in the business. In the case of an equity investment, the NEF would expect to exit within seven years. The NEF often assigns mentors to the businesses they invest in and participating in the mentorship programme is a contractual obligation.

Eligibility criteria

• A minimum black ownership of 50.1% of the business is required.
  
• The BEE owners must be actively involved in the day-to-day management of the business.
  
• The BEE owners must have the skills and experience to manage the business.
  
• Your business must show that it can afford to repay the loan.
  
• Your business must have a good business case.
  
• Your business must be able to show the value they bring to clients.

Application process

The NEF website has an outline on how to apply for funding. 

Download the Application Form as well as the Statement of Personal Assets and Liabilities. The link can be found on the left-hand side of the How to Apply page.

The application form contains details of what they expect to see in your business plan.  Once you have all the documents prepared, you can submit your application at the nearest NEF office.