15 Small Business Funding Solutions for Kasi Businesses

Finding small business funding in South Africa can feel like navigating a maze, especially when you're starting out in a township or kasi area. But you’re not alone and you most definitely have options.

If you’re running a spaza shop, salon, food business or tech startup in eKasi, this guide breaks down 15 funding solutions that can help you get started or grow. Starting with iKhokha’s own funding product, designed just for South African entrepreneurs like you.

Let’s dive into how to get funding for your small business in South Africa

iK Cash Advance (Top Pick for iKhokha Merchants)

If you already use an iKhokha card machine, you’ve got a major advantage. The iK Cash Advance is designed for small businesses that need quick, stress-free capital without jumping through endless hoops.

Why choose iK Cash Advance?

Get funding in under 24 hours
Flat fee repayment (no compound interest)
Repay automatically via a % of future card sales
No paperwork hassles, just trade for 3+ months with iKhokha to qualify

Don’t have a card machine yet? Get one now and unlock access to funding built for your business.

Government Funding Options

Small businesses are the lifeblood of South Africa’s economy. No matter how many big corporations choose to invest in the country, without small businesses, the country’s financial sector would crumble.

The South African government is well aware of this fact and has thus created programmes and campaigns aimed at putting money directly in the pockets of small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners.

SEFA (Small Enterprise Finance Agency)

The Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) has the sole task of helping start-ups and small businesses find the funds required to launch their operations. Through a series of loan options, SEFA will either offer you a direct financial solution or source one for you from external vendors.

SEFAs loans start from as little as R500 and go as high as R3 million. The loans are repaid directly to the lender, an important factor for a business sector that is often not part of the traditional banking system.

The great thing about SEFA is that they have built many key partnerships and relationships in the financial sector so that you don’t have to go through that arduous task. Visit their website to find out how they can help you, or email them at helpline@sefa.org.za.

SEDA (Small Enterprise Development Agency)

The Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) was initiated by South Africa’s Department of Trade and Industry. They coach budding entrepreneurs through the process of starting a business as well as providing assistance in obtaining start-up capital.

There are a number of guidelines and regulations that must be passed for the prospective business owner to receive help from SEDA, to ensure that you are as serious about your business as they are about helping you grow it.

To find out more about how SEDA can help you and your small business, visit their website or send an email to info@seda.org.za.

NEF(National Empowerment Fund)

In an effort to rebalance the scale and aid those who were previously disadvantaged, the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) provides financial assistance to businesses that are primarily black-owned.

The NEF strives to build rural communities, and they have a heavy stake in new industry development. Guided by the Industrial Policy Action Plan, the NEF offers loans and funding to startups up to the value of R10 million.

Email info@nefcorp.co.za or visit their website for more information.

Isivande Women’s Fund (IWF)

The Isivande Women’s Fund (IWF) is backed by investors to provide South African women with funding that was previously unavailable to them. They source loans for SA women who are business owners, making funding women-owned SMEs much less worrisome.

If you haven’t already, click here to register on the South African Small Business Economic Development portal.

Private and Other Small Business Funding Solutions

South Africa is a colourful nation filled with a vast array of ethnic groups, each with its own extraordinary history. Through the rainbow, however, one can still see the destruction caused by the storm, mostly felt by those suffering from racial and gender inequalities.

Many institutions have taken it upon themselves to help bridge the gap, by providing solutions to those who find themselves in low financial brackets due to racial and gender inequalities.

SERV

Serv is a website aimed at connecting everyday South Africans to a variety of professional business services. One such offering is connecting you with a business lender to raise funds for your small business.

SERV only works with reputable, reliable sources. The small fee they charge you for their service is worth it, as you mitigate the chances of working with an untrustworthy lender.

Lulalend

Lulalend is a private firm aimed at growing South African SMEs. They have flexible repayment options and with a loan range of R10 00 - R5 million, they are a smart choice for any new business owner.

VodaLend

Many companies are expanding their portfolios to keep up with the increasing demands of a growing society. Vodacom has introduced a business funding programme to assist small business owners in realising their dreams. VodaLend is available to all who meet the qualifying criteria.

KZN Growth Fund

If you are in KZN then this one is for you. A team of experts have banded together in the interest of growing the KZN logistics, manufacturing, and telecommunications markets. If you are in the province and your business falls into one of the aforementioned categories, then check out their website to see how they can help you.

Angel Investment Network

The Angel Investment Network connects South African entrepreneurs with a pool of willing and able ‘angel’ investors. The investors on the platform are actively seeking to invest in emerging businesses and their owners. A few minutes on the site and you could find the angel you’ve always been waiting for.

Sasfin Bank

Sasfin is one of the most commendable financial institutions in the country. They provide revolving credit for new and small businesses, a feat many other credit institutions cannot boast of. Furthermore, Sasfin’s wealth management options make it so that money is a thing that you and your business need not worry about again.

Business Loans from the Big 4 Banks

Finally, all of these South African banks offer loans to businesses or new business owners. Find the one that works best for you.

FNB Business Loans: Includes working capital, term loans, and revolving credit

Standard Bank Business Support: Focus on empowering SMEs with funding and financial tools

ABSA & Nedbank Business Finance: Competitive SME lending option and look for special offers for Black and township entrepreneurs

How to Qualify for Small Business Funding in South Africa

Before applying for any of these, make sure you’ve got:

A registered business (or plan to register one with CIPC)
Business bank account
Business plan or income proof (for some funders)
Trade history (3+ months for options like iK Cash Advance)

Funding Your Kasi Business is Possible

Whether you’re launching your first side hustle or growing an existing kasi business, the right small business funding in South Africa is out there. From our iK Cash Advance to government grants and angel investors, you don’t have to go it alone.

Start small, stay consistent, and remember: funding is not just about money, it’s about momentum. Now that you know how to get funding for your small business in South Africa, take that first step.