Spaza Shop Funding South Africa 2026: How to Apply for the R500 Million Spaza Shop Support Fund

From permit to submission

1. 1Get your municipal permit first. Go to your local municipal offices and ask for the business licensing or informal trading department. Ask specifically for a business licence or trading permit for a spaza shop or general dealer. COGTA has introduced a standard draft by-law creating a clearer permit and registration system, with both physical and online forms — ask your municipality which applies in your area. Do not skip this.
2. 2Register on SMMESA. Register your business on the national SMME database at smmesa.gov.za. It is a stated requirement and takes a few minutes.
3. 3Sort out SARS, CIPC and UIF. Register with SARS if you have not already — you may be allowed a six-month transitional period, but starting now removes a reason to delay your file. CIPC is optional below R80 000; above that you have six months from receiving the funding. Register with UIF if you have employees.
4. 4Choose your application route. Online through the SEDFA SMME Portal, or in person at a SEDFA office or through the Nedbank channel. These are genuinely different — see below.
5. 5Submit and respond quickly. Upload every document correctly and check your information is accurate. Assessors may contact you for more — answer immediately. Files go quiet when applicants do.