Starting a business in South Africa can feel overwhelming—navigating regulations, finding funding, accessing markets, and building skills. But you don’t have to do it alone. South Africa has numerous institutions specifically designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage. The challenge is knowing which ones actually deliver value and how to access their services effectively.
This guide cuts through the noise to highlight the ten most impactful institutions for South African entrepreneurs, what they offer, who they serve best, and exactly how to engage with them.
1. Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA)
What They Do: SEDA is government’s primary vehicle for supporting small business development. They offer free business advisory services, training, market access support, and connect entrepreneurs to funding opportunities.
Who They Serve Best: Early-stage entrepreneurs and small businesses across all sectors, particularly those in townships and rural areas. They’re especially valuable if you can’t afford private consultants or business coaching.
Key Services:
- Free Business Advisory: One-on-one consulting on business planning, financial management, operations, and marketing
- Training Programs: Workshops on business fundamentals, financial literacy, and sector-specific skills
- Market Linkages: Connections to procurement opportunities, supplier databases, and trade missions
- Co-operative Support: Specialized services for cooperatives including registration assistance and governance training
- Technology Support: Assistance with technology adoption and digital transformation
Real Value: SEDA’s greatest strength is accessibility—they have offices in every province and services are completely free. Their business advisors can help you develop credible business plans needed for funding applications, understand financial statements, and navigate regulatory requirements.
How to Access: Visit your nearest SEDA branch (find locations at www.seda.org.za) or call their national hotline at 0860 103 703. Book an appointment with a business advisor. Bring your business idea or existing business information. Be prepared for the process to move slowly—government services aren’t known for speed, but they’re thorough and genuinely helpful.
Pro Tip: SEDA advisors are busiest at month-end and quarter-end. Book appointments mid-month for faster service. Come with specific questions rather than vague requests for “help with my business.” The more focused your needs, the more valuable their assistance.
Success Story Context: Thembi Mtshali used SEDA’s services to develop her bakery business plan, which she then used to secure R150,000 from a development finance institution. She credits SEDA’s patient advisor for helping her understand financial projections and costing properly—knowledge that’s kept her business profitable for six years.
2. National Empowerment Fund (NEF)
What They Do: NEF provides funding specifically for Black entrepreneurs and businesses, ranging from R250,000 to over R75 million depending on the product. They’re mandated to promote Black economic participation and wealth creation.
Who They Serve Best: Black-owned businesses across multiple stages: start-ups needing seed capital, growing businesses requiring expansion funding, entrepreneurs wanting to acquire existing businesses, and established companies pursuing strategic opportunities.
Key Funding Products:
- iMbewu Fund: R250,000 to R3 million for start-ups and early-stage businesses (unsecured loans)
- uMnotho Fund: R3 million to R10 million for established small businesses seeking growth capital
- Strategic Projects Fund: R10 million to R75 million for significant expansion, acquisitions, or strategic investments
- Rural and Community Development Fund: Funding for businesses in rural areas and township economies
- Franchise Fund: Supporting Black entrepreneurs to acquire and operate franchise businesses
- Women Empowerment Fund: Dedicated funding for women-owned businesses
Real Value: NEF offers something most commercial banks won’t: unsecured funding for start-ups (iMbewu Fund) and patient capital with development objectives beyond pure commercial returns. Their interest rates (typically 5-12% depending on the product) are competitive, and repayment terms can extend to 10+ years.
How to Access: Submit your application online at www.nefcorp.co.za with a comprehensive business plan, financial statements (if existing business), BEE documentation, and detailed information about your business. The application process is rigorous and can take 3-6 months from submission to funding.
Requirements to Note:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Black ownership minimum of 51%
- Clear business plan with financial projections
- Demonstrated industry knowledge or experience
- For existing businesses: audited financial statements
- Viable business model with clear path to profitability
Pro Tip: NEF rejection isn’t permanent. If declined, request detailed feedback on why your application was unsuccessful. Address those specific issues and reapply in 6-12 months. Many successful NEF-funded businesses were initially rejected, improved their applications, and succeeded on second or third attempts.
Important Reality Check: NEF funding is competitive with approval rates around 15-20%. Don’t rely solely on NEF—apply concurrently to multiple funding sources. The application process is detailed and time-consuming, so factor in at least 6 months from application to potential funding.
3. Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)
What They Do: IDC provides financing and support for industrial development and growth across multiple sectors. They fund larger projects than most development finance institutions, focusing on businesses that create jobs and contribute to economic development.
Who They Serve Best: Established businesses seeking significant growth capital (R1 million+), manufacturers, agro-processing companies, mining operations, tourism infrastructure, and businesses in strategic sectors like renewable energy, healthcare, and technology.
Key Funding Areas:
- Manufacturing: Equipment financing, factory expansion, production capacity increases
- Agro-processing: Food production, agricultural value-chain businesses
- Mining and Beneficiation: Mining operations and mineral processing
- Tourism: Hotels, lodges, tourism infrastructure
- Green Industries: Renewable energy, waste management, water treatment
- Strategic High-Growth Sectors: Healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, clothing and textiles
Real Value: IDC funds projects commercial banks consider too risky or too long-term. They offer competitive rates (prime-linked or below), flexible repayment terms (up to 15 years), and sometimes take equity stakes rather than requiring full debt repayment. They understand industrial businesses and patient capital requirements.
How to Access: Submit a detailed application through www.idc.co.za including business plan, financial statements (3 years if available), detailed project information, environmental impact assessments (if required), and BEE documentation. IDC’s due diligence is extensive—expect 4-9 months from application to funding for standard projects.
Funding Structure: IDC typically provides 70% of project costs, requiring you to contribute 30% equity. They may take equity positions in your company (usually minority stakes) or provide pure debt funding depending on the project and risk profile.
Pro Tip: IDC particularly favors businesses that create jobs in underdeveloped areas, use local suppliers, promote beneficiation of raw materials, and demonstrate strong environmental sustainability. If your project ticks these boxes, emphasize them heavily in your application.
Sector-Specific Programs:
- Clothing and Textile Competitiveness Improvement Programme: Funding specifically for clothing and textile manufacturers
- Agro-Processing Support Scheme: Dedicated support for food and agricultural businesses
- Tourism Support Programme: Focused funding for tourism infrastructure
Reality Check: IDC is not for small businesses needing under R1 million. Their focus is industrial scale with significant job creation potential. If your business doesn’t fit this profile, NEF or commercial banks are better options.
4. Business Partners Limited
What They Do: Business Partners is a specialized investment company providing financial and other support to formal SMEs. Unlike banks, they can take equity positions and provide unsecured funding, and they offer longer repayment terms.
Who They Serve Best: Established small to medium businesses with track records, entrepreneurs acquiring existing businesses, franchisees, and growing businesses needing expansion capital between R500,000 and R50 million.
Key Products:
- Loan Finance: R500,000 to R50 million with repayment terms up to 15 years
- Equity Finance: They purchase minority stakes in businesses (usually 25-49%) and provide strategic support
- Property Finance: Funding for business property purchase or development
- Franchise Finance: Specialized support for franchisees acquiring or expanding franchises
- Business Buyouts: Funding to acquire existing businesses
Real Value: Business Partners fills the gap between banks (who want security and proven cash flow) and development finance institutions (who focus on start-ups or strategic sectors). They understand business cycles, provide flexible funding structures, and offer longer repayment terms than commercial banks. Their equity investments come with strategic support—they actively help businesses grow.
How to Access: Apply online at www.businesspartners.co.za with a detailed business plan, financial statements, management profiles, and information about the specific opportunity or need. Their approval process typically takes 6-12 weeks.
Requirements:
- Registered South African business (Pty Ltd, CC, or equivalent)
- Management with industry experience
- Viable business model and credible financials
- For existing businesses: minimum 1-2 years trading history
- Clear exit strategy (for equity investments)
Interest Rates: Generally prime-linked (prime +0% to prime +5% depending on risk assessment), which is competitive but not the cheapest funding available. However, their willingness to lend unsecured or take equity positions offers flexibility banks can’t match.
Pro Tip: If seeking equity investment rather than debt, prepare thoroughly to discuss your business valuation, growth strategy, and exit plan. Business Partners invests to eventually exit (through buyback, sale to third party, or listing), so they need clarity on how they’ll realize returns.
What Makes Them Different: Unlike banks that primarily assess your past, Business Partners focuses heavily on future potential. They’re more willing to back businesses in growth phases or turnaround situations if the fundamentals and management are strong.
5. Services SETA and Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs)
What They Do: South Africa has 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities, each responsible for skills development in specific industries. They manage skills development levies paid by companies and use these funds to support training and education.
Who They Serve Best: Any business needing to train employees, entrepreneurs wanting to access accredited training, training providers seeking accreditation, and individuals seeking skills development to start businesses.
Key Services:
- Discretionary Grants: Funding for companies to train employees in scarce and critical skills
- Learnerships: Structured learning programs combining theory and workplace experience
- Skills Programs: Short courses and training interventions
- PIVOTAL Programs: Professional, Vocational, Technical and Academic Learning programs
- Entrepreneurship Training: Support for emerging entrepreneurs
- Accreditation Services: For training providers wanting to offer accredited programs
Real Value: If you’re running a business and paying skills development levies (1% of payroll for companies with payrolls over R500,000), SETAs help you recover that money by funding employee training. Even if you’re not paying levies, you can often access SETA-funded training programs to upskill yourself or your team.
How to Access: Identify your relevant SETA based on your industry sector (Services SETA for most service businesses, FP&M SETA for manufacturing, HWSETA for health and welfare, etc.). Visit their website, create an organizational profile, and apply for relevant grants or programs. Each SETA has different application windows—typically quarterly or biannually.
Key SETAs by Sector:
- Services SETA: Wholesale, retail, hospitality, tourism, business services
- FP&M SETA: Manufacturing, assembly, related services
- MICT SETA: Information and communications technology
- BANKSETA: Banking, insurance, financial services
- HWSETA: Health and social services
- CETA: Construction and built environment
- FOODBEV SETA: Food and beverages manufacturing
- ETDP SETA: Education, training, and development
- TETA: Transport and logistics
Pro Tip: SETA funding application processes are bureaucratic and time-consuming. Start applications 3-6 months before you need training to happen. Keep meticulous documentation—SETAs require proof of everything. Many businesses use SETA consultants who specialize in navigating these processes for a percentage of grants secured.
Employer Reality: If your business pays skills levies, you’re entitled to claim back funds for approved training. Most small businesses never claim these funds, essentially donating money to larger companies who do. Even recovering 50% of your levy payments through approved training is significant.
6. Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC)
What They Do: CIPC is the government agency responsible for company registration, intellectual property protection (trademarks, patents, designs, copyright), and maintenance of company records. Every formal business in South Africa interacts with CIPC.
Who They Serve Best: Anyone starting a business who needs to register a company, entrepreneurs protecting intellectual property, and businesses maintaining compliance with company regulations.
Key Services:
- Company Registration: Register Pty Ltd companies, Close Corporations, Personal Liability Companies, Non-Profit Companies
- Business Name Reservation: Reserve your business name before registration
- Trademark Registration: Protect your brand, logo, and product names
- Patent Registration: Protect inventions and innovations
- Design Registration: Protect product designs and aesthetic features
- Company Documents: File annual returns, update directors, change registered addresses
- Company Information: Search existing companies and verify registration details
Real Value: CIPC makes business registration relatively simple and affordable. Registering a company costs R175 and can be done online in 1-5 business days. Trademark registration costs R590 per class and protects your brand legally. These are foundational services every formal business needs.
How to Access: Everything is available online at www.cipc.co.za. Create an account, complete the relevant forms, pay the required fees via credit card or EFT, and submit. For complex matters (like patent applications), consider using registered patent attorneys or company registration specialists who can ensure proper filing.
Business Registration Process:
- Reserve your company name (R50)
- Once approved (usually 1-2 days), register your company (R125)
- Provide required information: directors, shareholders, registered address, memorandum of incorporation
- Receive registration documents via email
- Use these documents to open business bank accounts and register with SARS
Trademark Protection: Register trademarks in the classes relevant to your business. For example, a clothing brand would register in Class 25 (clothing, footwear, headgear). Filing fee is R590 per class. The process takes 9-18 months from application to registration, but you can use “™” once you’ve applied and “®” once registered.
Pro Tip: Before starting any registration, search CIPC’s database to ensure your desired business name and trademarks aren’t already taken. This saves time and prevents having to rebrand if you discover conflicts later. For trademarks, consider registering variations and common misspellings to prevent copycats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Operating without proper registration (you can be fined and contracts may be unenforceable)
- Neglecting annual returns (companies become deregistered if non-compliant)
- Using names or logos without trademark protection (competitors can copy freely)
- Not updating CIPC when directors or addresses change (creates compliance issues)
Important Note: CIPC registration doesn’t replace SARS registration, VAT registration, or UIF/Workman’s Compensation registration—these are separate processes with different agencies.
7. South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)
What They Do: SABS develops standards, provides testing and certification services, and helps businesses ensure their products meet quality and safety requirements. They’re crucial for manufacturers and businesses selling products.
Who They Serve Best: Manufacturers needing product testing and certification, exporters requiring compliance certificates, businesses wanting to demonstrate quality standards, and entrepreneurs developing new products.
Key Services:
- Product Testing: Laboratory testing to verify products meet standards
- Product Certification: SABS mark certification proving compliance
- Quality Management Systems: ISO certification (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, etc.)
- Training: Workshops on quality management, standards compliance, and systems implementation
- Standards Development: Access to South African National Standards documents
- Export Support: Testing and certification for international markets
Real Value: SABS certification opens doors that would otherwise remain closed. Major retailers require SABS certification for many product categories. Government tenders often mandate SABS compliance. Export markets require proof of quality standards. SABS provides the credibility that builds customer confidence.
How to Access: Contact SABS at www.sabs.co.za or call 012 428 7911. Describe your product or service and what certification you need. They’ll guide you on the process, testing requirements, and costs. Each product category has different requirements and costs.
Cost Considerations: SABS services aren’t cheap—product testing might cost R5,000-R50,000+ depending on complexity, and ISO certification processes range from R30,000-R150,000+ including consulting, audits, and certification fees. However, these costs are often necessary investments for accessing markets and building credibility.
ISO Certification for Service Businesses: ISO 9001 (quality management) certification helps service businesses demonstrate systematic quality approaches. It’s particularly valuable when tendering for corporate or government contracts. The process involves documenting your processes, implementing quality management systems, and passing external audits.
Pro Tip: Before beginning expensive testing, verify exactly which standards and certifications your target market requires. Some retailers have their own standards that differ from SABS requirements. Some export markets recognize SABS while others require additional international certifications.
For Manufacturers: Compulsory specifications exist for certain products (electrical equipment, building materials, food products, etc.) where SABS certification is legally required before sale. Verify whether your product falls under compulsory specifications—selling without required certification is illegal and can result in fines or closure.
8. Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)
What They Do: TIA supports innovation and technology development, providing funding and support for businesses developing new technologies, products, or processes with significant innovation components.
Who They Serve Best: Tech startups, innovators developing new products or technologies, researchers commercializing inventions, businesses in strategic technology sectors (ICT, biotech, green tech, advanced manufacturing), and companies pursuing R&D projects.
Key Programs:
- Seed Fund: Early-stage funding for technology ventures (up to R3 million)
- Technology Development Fund: Support for developing prototypes and proof-of-concept (R500,000 to R10 million)
- Commercialization Support Fund: Helping bring innovations to market
- Technology Stations: Access to university-based technology infrastructure and expertise
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborative programs with industry and research institutions
Real Value: TIA fills a critical gap: funding innovation between laboratory concept and commercial viability. Banks won’t fund this stage (too risky), and most VCs won’t either (too early). TIA provides the capital to build prototypes, conduct market testing, and demonstrate commercial viability.
How to Access: Submit proposals through www.tia.org.za with detailed technical descriptions, innovation elements, market analysis, development timelines, and budget requirements. TIA’s evaluation focuses heavily on innovation content, technical feasibility, market potential, and team capability.
What They Fund:
- Software and ICT innovations
- Medical devices and biotech
- Green technologies and renewable energy
- Advanced manufacturing processes
- Agricultural technology
- Water and environmental technology
What They Don’t Fund:
- Pure service businesses without innovation components
- Retail or distribution models
- Consulting businesses
- Projects without significant technology development
Pro Tip: TIA values partnerships with research institutions and universities. If your innovation involves collaboration with academic researchers or use of university facilities, emphasize this in your application—it significantly strengthens your case.
Reality Check: TIA funding is highly competitive with low approval rates (estimated 10-15%). Applications require significant technical detail and credible development plans. If your business isn’t genuinely technology-focused or innovation-driven, don’t waste time applying—focus on other funding sources.
9. National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)
What They Do: NYDA supports young entrepreneurs (ages 18-35) through funding, business development services, training, and market access support. They’re government’s primary vehicle for youth economic empowerment.
Who They Serve Best: Entrepreneurs aged 18-35 seeking start-up funding, business skills development, mentorship, or market access support. Particularly valuable for first-time entrepreneurs without business track records.
Key Services:
- Business Funding: Loans from R1,000 to R100,000 (voucher program) and R100,000 to R1 million (micro-enterprise fund)
- Grant Funding: Co-funding for specific initiatives (typically 50/50 match up to R100,000)
- Entrepreneurship Training: Free business skills development programs
- Mentorship: Pairing young entrepreneurs with experienced business mentors
- Market Access: Connections to procurement opportunities and supplier development programs
- Infrastructure Support: Access to business incubation facilities in some locations
Real Value: NYDA is one of the few sources offering unsecured start-up funding to young entrepreneurs without collateral or track records. Their voucher program (R1,000-R100,000) has relatively relaxed requirements and can fund initial business establishment costs. Their training programs provide foundational business knowledge many young entrepreneurs lack.
How to Access: Visit your nearest NYDA office or apply online at www.nyda.gov.za. For funding, you’ll need a business plan, detailed budget, ID copy, proof of residence, and bank statements. The voucher program has simpler requirements than larger funding programs.
Funding Products:
- Voucher Program (R1,000-R100,000): For start-ups and informal businesses, repayable over 24-36 months, interest rates around 5%
- Micro-Enterprise Fund (R100,000-R1 million): For established young-owned businesses, requires track record and collateral, market-related interest rates
Age Requirements: You must be 18-35 years old. For companies, at least 51% must be owned by youth in this age bracket. After age 35, you’ll need to transition to other funding institutions.
Pro Tip: NYDA’s district offices vary significantly in efficiency and support quality. If your local office is unresponsive, try contacting the provincial office or applying online. Persistence pays—many successful NYDA-funded entrepreneurs report having to follow up repeatedly to move their applications forward.
Training Programs: Take advantage of free entrepreneurship training even if you don’t need funding. Topics include business planning, financial management, marketing, and legal compliance. These programs help you avoid common mistakes that sink many start-ups.
10. Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC)
What They Do: ECIC provides export credit insurance and guarantees, helping South African businesses export by mitigating risks associated with international trade and facilitating access to export financing.
Who They Serve Best: Manufacturers exporting goods, service providers with international clients, companies bidding on international projects, and businesses seeking export working capital or investment financing for export-oriented projects.
Key Products:
- Export Credit Insurance: Protection against non-payment by foreign buyers
- Export Financing Guarantees: Guarantees to banks providing export working capital
- Investment Insurance: Protection for investments in foreign countries
- Bonds and Guarantees: Performance bonds and guarantees for international contracts
- Buyer Credit: Financing for foreign buyers purchasing South African goods/services
Real Value: ECIC makes exporting less risky and more accessible. Banks are often reluctant to finance export working capital without security—ECIC guarantees reduce this risk, making banks willing to lend. Credit insurance protects you if foreign buyers don’t pay. For businesses wanting to grow through exports, ECIC is essential infrastructure.
How to Access: Contact ECIC at www.ecic.co.za with information about your export activities or intentions. They’ll assess your needs and recommend appropriate products. For credit insurance, you’ll need details about your buyers and export contracts. For financing guarantees, you’ll work with both ECIC and your bank.
Who Benefits Most:
- Established businesses beginning to export
- Manufacturers with confirmed export orders needing working capital
- Companies pursuing large international contracts requiring bonds/guarantees
- Businesses exporting to higher-risk markets where commercial insurance is unavailable
Requirements: Your business must have significant South African content (goods manufactured locally or services delivered by South African employees). ECIC exists to support South African economic activity, not to facilitate pure trading or distribution of foreign goods.
Pro Tip: Engage ECIC early when considering exports, not after you’ve already signed contracts or committed to buyers. They can advise on structuring agreements, payment terms, and risk mitigation before you’re locked into unfavorable terms.
Cost Structure: ECIC charges premiums for insurance (typically 0.5-3% of insured value depending on buyer risk) and fees for guarantees. These costs are tax-deductible business expenses and often less than the risk-adjusted cost of alternatives.
Reality Check: ECIC is relevant primarily for businesses actually exporting or seriously planning to export. If you’re focused purely on the domestic market, other institutions will be more immediately valuable. However, as your business matures, exporting becomes increasingly attractive for growth, making ECIC knowledge valuable for future planning.
How to Strategically Engage These Institutions
Understanding these institutions is valuable, but knowing how to engage them strategically is what separates successful entrepreneurs from frustrated ones. Here’s your action plan:
For Start-Ups (Pre-Revenue or Early Revenue):
Priority 1: CIPC Register your business properly from day one. This unlocks everything else.
Priority 2: SEDA Use their free advisory services to develop a solid business plan and understand business fundamentals.
Priority 3: NYDA (if under 35) or NEF iMbewu Fund Pursue start-up funding once you have a credible plan and some initial traction.
Priority 4: Relevant SETA Access free training to build your own skills and later train employees.
For Growing Businesses (Established, Seeking Expansion):
Priority 1: Business Partners or NEF uMnotho Fund Pursue growth capital to scale operations, purchase equipment, or expand capacity.
Priority 2: SABS Get necessary certifications to access larger markets, retailers, and government tenders.
Priority 3: IDC (for industrial/manufacturing) If you’re in manufacturing or strategic sectors needing significant capital (R5 million+), pursue IDC funding.
Priority 4: TIA (for innovation-focused businesses) If your growth involves genuine innovation or technology development, explore TIA support.
For Mature Businesses (Established, Optimizing):
Priority 1: SETA Grants Systematically recover your skills levy payments through employee training programs.
Priority 2: ECIC (if exporting or planning to) Mitigate export risks and access export financing.
Priority 3: SABS ISO Certification Demonstrate quality management systems to access premium markets and major contracts.
Priority 4: IDC or Business Partners Consider strategic financing for acquisitions, major expansion, or transformation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Applying Without Preparation Institutions receive thousands of applications. Poorly prepared applications are rejected quickly. Invest time in professional business plans, accurate financials, and complete documentation.
2. Viewing One Institution as “The Answer” Successful entrepreneurs engage multiple institutions simultaneously. Apply to several funding sources, use free advisory services while seeking capital, and build relationships before you desperately need help.
3. Giving Up After One Rejection Rejection is common and doesn’t mean your business is bad. Request feedback, address weaknesses, and reapply. Many successful entrepreneurs were rejected 3-5 times before securing funding.
4. Ignoring Free Services SEDA advisory, SETA training, and various mentorship programs cost nothing but provide immense value. Use them extensively before paying for private consultants.
5. Waiting Until You’re Desperate Engage institutions when you’re planning and preparing, not when you’re in crisis. Building relationships and completing applications takes months—start early.
6. Not Reading Requirements Carefully Each institution has specific eligibility criteria, funding ranges, and sector focuses. Applying to inappropriate institutions wastes everyone’s time. Read carefully before applying.
7. Underestimating Timeline Requirements From initial application to funding disbursement typically takes 3-12 months depending on the institution. Plan accordingly and maintain alternative cash flow sources during this period.
Final Thoughts: Building Your Support Ecosystem
These ten institutions exist specifically to help you succeed. They have billions in funding, extensive support services, and mandates to develop entrepreneurs and businesses. But they can’t help you if you don’t engage them.
The most successful South African entrepreneurs don’t go it alone—they systematically build support ecosystems leveraging these institutions at appropriate stages. Start-ups use SEDA and NYDA, growing businesses tap NEF and Business Partners, mature companies engage IDC and ECIC, and everyone uses CIPC and relevant SETAs.
Your action plan is simple: identify which institutions are most relevant to your current stage, prepare high-quality applications and documentation, engage persistently and professionally, and build relationships before you desperately need them.
These institutions want you to succeed—success for you means success for their mandates. Give them reason to support you by presenting professional, prepared, and promising business propositions.
The resources are there. The funding is available. The support exists. Now it’s up to you to access them strategically and build the business you envision.