Letter to the Editor/Opinion

Dear Vuk’uzenzele

My name is Njabulo Benard Mthimkhulu, and I am the proud owner of a small spaza shop in Lamontville. Over the years, I have seen the potential for growth in the community and have decided to open an internet cafe.
The vision behind this is to provide a space where members of the community can access the internet, work on their projects, connect with others and enhance their digital literacy skills.
To bring this vision to life, I am seeking funding to set up the Internet Cafe. I have a solid business plan in place. Your support
will contribute to the growth and prosperity of the community.

Warm regards,
Njabulo Benard Mthimkhulu 

Thank you for reaching out to Vuk’uzenzele for support. Your enthusiasm to help your community is inspiring. Here are some links to government institutions responsible for business funding:

1. The Department of Small Business Development offers the following programmes: Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme; Business Viability Programme; and Co-Operatives Development Support Programme. Visit http://www.dsbd.gov.za/

For information on the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda), Finance for Small Businesses, Support For Youth, and Support For Women, visit https://www.gov.za/about-government/small-business-development or www.seda.org.za.

2. The National Empowerment Fund (NEF) funds black entrepreneurs to create real economic empowerment for black people. For more information, visit www.nefcorp.co.za, call 011 305 8000 or email applications@nefcorp.co.za.

3. The Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa) offers asset finance solutions and various forms of funding. For more information visit www.sefa.org.za/products/term-loan.

4. The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) fund start-ups and existing businesses. For more information visit https://www.idc.co.za/funding-solutions-hub/

5. The NYDA Grant Programme provides young entrepreneurs access to financial and non-financial business development support. Visit https://www.nyda.gov.za/Products-Services/NYDA-Grant-Programme.html

Kind regards,
Vuk'uzenzele Team.