1. This Funding model focuses on existing Formal and Informal SMMEs residing within the Qualifying Areas with preference given to enterprises owned by women, youth, and persons living with disabilities;
2. The fund is intended to assist SMMEs that have been severely affected by the COVID-19 NATIONAL LOCKDOWN;
3. They must be South African citizens who are Black Persons within the Qualifying Areas;
4. If an applicant operates an informal business, they must possess either a) a permit to operate, or
            b) Letter from the municipality confirming application submitted prior to the NATIONAL LOCKDOWN;
5. Must have completed an application form;
6. Operate either informally or formally; generally recognized as micro enterprises (e.g. street traders, vendors, emerging enterprises);
7. Preference will be given to women, youth (18-35) and people with disabilities;
8. Enterprise must have traded at least 6 months before the NATIONAL LOCKDOWN;
9. Enterprises must demonstrate proof of loss of revenue from the NATIONAL LOCKDOWN;
10. Proof of revenue if formal – if informal provide a short proposal;
11. Enterprise Tax clearance required for formal businesses (if sole proprietor individual tax clearance) and not required if informal;
12. Must be at least 51% black-owned small business owned by South African citizens;
13 The applicant must be a full-time employee of the business;
14. Must agree to enter into a business management training programmes or related programmes as per recommendation from SIOC-CDT’s assessment;
15. Must have a business mentor and/or a coach approved by SIOC-CDT or BDS Partners or must be allocated a business mentor post application approval;
16. Must have relevant qualifications or business and/or technical experience in the sector operating in including proven entrepreneurship business experience where applicable;
17. Previous business loans must be paid up to be eligible to access grant funding;
18. Require the funding for a business that is commercially viable and has a sustainable plan; and
19. Must accept that funding application approvals will be at the discretion of the Regional Steering Committee.