In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the critical role that women entrepreneurs play in driving economic growth, job creation, and innovation in South Africa. Despite this, women-owned businesses often face significant barriers to accessing finance, markets, and support services. In response, both government and private sector entities have launched targeted funding schemes aimed specifically at bridging this gap and promoting gender equity in entrepreneurship.
Below are funding programmes exclusively targeting women entrepreneurs, designed to help you grow and formalise your business in 2025.
1. Isivande Women’s Fund (IWF)
Administered by: Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)
Type: Loans and soft funding
Target: Black women-owned enterprises
The Isivande Women’s Fund is a flagship funding programme for women. It offers affordable financial support to businesses that are at least 60% women-owned, with a focus on previously disadvantaged groups.
- Funding Range: R30,000 to R2 million
- Use: Business expansion, working capital, and asset finance
- Repayment: Flexible, low-interest terms
- Apply: IDC – Isivande Women’s Fund
2. Women Empowerment Fund – NEF
Administered by: National Empowerment Fund (NEF)
Type: Loans and equity finance
Target: Women-owned and managed businesses
This fund forms part of the NEF’s goal to support Black women participation in the economy across industries like agriculture, manufacturing, services, and more.
- Eligibility: South African women with 51% or more ownership
- Support Includes: Capital, strategic guidance, mentorship
- Apply: www.nefcorp.co.za
3. SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme
Administered by: SAB Foundation
Type: Grant funding and business support
Target: Women entrepreneurs from low-income or rural areas
This programme is designed to support women running early-stage businesses, especially those that address community challenges or job creation. It combines grant funding with business development training.
- Support Includes: Grant funding, coaching, networking
- Focus: Social impact and enterprise growth
- Apply: www.sabfoundation.co.za
4. WECONA Women Economic Assembly Fund
Administered by: DTIC, IDC, and partners under WECONA
Type: Public-private funding partnerships
Target: Women-owned businesses in priority sectors
WECONA (Women Economic Assembly) aims to drive real access to procurement, supply chains, and finance for women-owned businesses in South Africa.
- Focus Areas: Agriculture, energy, construction, manufacturing, etc.
- Support: Capital funding, enterprise development, and market access
- Apply: www.wecona.co.za
5. Enygma Ventures – Women Startup Funding
Administered by: Enygma Ventures (Private Equity Firm)
Type: Venture capital and equity
Target: Women-led startups in Southern Africa
Enygma Ventures is a women-focused investment fund that backs early-stage and growth businesses led by women across Southern Africa, including South Africa. It offers not just capital, but also strategic mentorship and operational support.
- Ideal For: Women with innovative or scalable business models
- Focus Areas: Tech, education, sustainability, health, retail
- Apply: www.enygmaventures.com
Related post: Top 10 Business Grants for South African Entrepreneurs
6. Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) – Women Empowerment Fund
Administered by: DBSA
Type: Impact investment and development funding
Target: Women-owned and women-led enterprises aligned with national development goals
The DBSA Women Empowerment Fund is part of a broader gender mainstreaming programme aimed at promoting women’s economic inclusion in key sectors, especially infrastructure, energy, water, and education. The fund supports women entrepreneurs with capital, technical assistance, and access to projects with high social impact.
- Focus Areas: Infrastructure, green economy, education, and public health
- Support: Project development funding, technical support, and market facilitation
- Apply: DBSA Gender Mainstreaming Programme
Ready to Fund Your Vision?
If you’re a woman entrepreneur in South Africa, these programmes offer real opportunities to access finance, scale your operations, and join larger value chains.
Before applying:
- Register your business with CIPC
- Obtain a valid tax clearance certificate
- Prepare a clear business plan with financial projections
- Ensure you’re 100% compliant with funding requirements
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