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    EU Wine & Spirits Fund: Grants for Black-Owned Wineries

    MoBy No Comments3 Mins Read

    The National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), in partnership with the European Union, has launched a strategic grant funding opportunity under the Support Programme to the Transformation of the Wines and Spirits Sector in South Africa. With a total allocation of €15 million (€10 million for transformation, €5 million for marketing and distribution), this initiative is specifically designed to empower Black-owned and managed enterprises in the wines and spirits value chain to scale operations, enter international markets, and strengthen brand presence—particularly in priority markets outside the European Union.

    Applications are open on a first-come, first-served basis and will remain active until allocated funds are fully committed. This is not a tender or procurement process, but a grant-based support programme administered by NAMC (for marketing/distribution) and the Land Bank (for transformation).

    Who Qualifies? Eligibility and Ownership Requirements

    To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

    • Be a South African citizen with a valid ID and a registered business entity
    • Operate in the wines and/or spirits sector (production, bottling, distribution, or branding)
    • Be at least 51% Black-owned, in line with the B-BBEE Act (2013)
    • Demonstrate active management and operational involvement (no passive investors)
    • Show how funding will benefit women, youth, or other marginalised groups within the enterprise

    Excluded groups include government employees, foreign nationals, dual citizens, politically exposed persons, and businesses under litigation or business rescue.

    How Can Grant Funds Be Used?

    Approved grantees may use funding for a wide range of growth-enabling activities, including:

    • Brand building and packaging design
    • Market research for targeted export destinations
    • Listing fees with national and international retailers
    • Trade finance and credit insurance to secure supply chains
    • Compliance with international production, labelling, and safety standards
    • Training and mentorship programmes for staff and leadership
    • Participation in trade shows and export readiness initiatives

    The list is non-exhaustive—innovative proposals aligned with market expansion and transformation will be considered.

    Application Process: Online, Document-Driven, and Competitive

    All applications must be submitted exclusively via the official online portal:

    Required documentation includes:

    • A detailed business plan
    • Three supplier quotations for proposed goods/services
    • Proof of Black ownership and business registration
    • ID copies and B-BBEE affidavit or certificate
    • Evidence of sector participation (production records, product portfolio, etc.)

    Email or postal submissions will not be accepted. Applications are reviewed by the Fund Assessment Committee (FAC) and processed in the order received.

    Why This Fund Matters for Transformation

    This EU-backed programme directly addresses historical inequities in South Africa’s wines and spirits industry by providing non-repayable grant funding—not loans—to qualifying Black-owned enterprises. Unlike competitive tenders, this opportunity removes financial barriers to market access, enabling smaller producers to compete globally. With dedicated support for compliance, branding, and export logistics, the fund positions beneficiaries for long-term sustainability and inclusive growth.

    Related opportunity: Apply Now: SMME Capacity Building & Tech Incubation Support

    Contact and Support

    For queries or assistance during the application process:

    All applicant information is treated with strict confidentiality. Industry bodies may also submit applications on behalf of qualifying members.

    Stay Updated

    Want to stay informed about more funding opportunities,grants, business support programmes, tenders, incubators, training, and SMME resources in South Africa? Follow our updates on the StepApp Network:

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