The Black Industrialists Scheme (BIS), a strategic funding programme by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), is now open for applications. This initiative is designed to accelerate the growth of black-owned manufacturing enterprises across South Africa, offering transformative financial and non-financial support to qualifying businesses.
What Is the Black Industrialists Scheme?
The BIS provides cost-sharing grants of up to R50 million to black industrialists operating in targeted manufacturing sectors. The programme complements broader industrialisation efforts by promoting investment, localisation, export growth and value-chain development.
Who Qualifies as a Black Industrialist?
A black industrialist is a juristic person or natural person that:
- Is owned, managed and controlled by black people (>51% ownership) as defined by the B-BBEE Act
- Creates and owns value-adding industrial capacity
- Exercises strategic and operational control over the business
- Takes personal risk and demonstrates long-term commitment
- Operates within IPAP and Re-imagined Industrial Strategy focus areas
Key Focus Sectors for Funding
The BIS prioritises manufacturing sectors including:
- Agro-processing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and plastics
- Aerospace, rail and automotive components
- Clean technology, energy and mineral beneficiation
- Clothing, textiles, leather and footwear
- ICT, industrial infrastructure and blue economy ventures
Grant Benefits and Support Offerings
Approved entities can access:
- Capital investment grants (30%-50% cost-sharing)
- Feasibility study funding (up to R3 million)
- Post-investment support (up to R500 000)
- Business development services (up to R2 million)
Related opportunity: 2026 FNF Afri GreenPitch Challenge Opens for Green SMEs Across Africa
How to Apply for BIS Funding
Applicants must comply with mandatory requirements outlined in paragraph 4 of the BIS guidelines and adhere to sector-specific legislative requirements. Submit applications via the dtic online portal: Black Industrialists Scheme Application link
Provincial Contact Details for Enquiries
Contact the dtic based on your province:
- Inlands (Gauteng, Limpopo, North West): nfmbienquiries@thedtic.gov.za
- Western Cape & Free State: wcbienquiries@thedtic.gov.za
- Eastern Cape & Northern Cape: ecbienquiries@thedtic.gov.za
- KwaZulu-Natal & Mpumalanga: kznbienquiries@thedtic.gov.za
- Existing applicants: biclaims@thedtic.gov.za
Don’t miss this opportunity to scale your manufacturing business with strategic government support.
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