Local spaza shop owners are encouraged to apply for the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund, a national initiative to strengthen township convenience stores through funding, training, and business development support.
At a recent information session hosted at Mogale City’s Centenary Hall, the city’s Local Economic Development Section and West Rand District Municipality partnered with the Department of Small Business Development, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (Sedfa) and the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) to educate entrepreneurs on how to access the fund.
Launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 15 November 2024 as part of government’s response to the foodborne illness crisis, the fund supports spaza shops through financial assistance and training, with strong emphasis on food safety, business sustainability and market competitiveness.
Support Available
- Stock purchases via approved partners
- Infrastructure upgrades (e.g. fridges, shelves, security)
- Operational tools and systems
- Training: Point of Sale device use, business management, digital skills, food safety, and more
Who Can Apply?
- South African citizens operating spaza shops in township or rural areas
- Shops must be registered with the local municipality
- For funding above R80,000, registration with CIPC and SARS is required
- Shops must meet compliance standards and be owner-managed
Up to R100,000 in support is available for qualifying businesses.
Apply Now
- Call: 011 305 8080
- Online: www.spazashopfund.co.za
- In person: At your local municipality, NEF, or SEDA office
Key stakeholders who attended the session included Executive Mayor Lucky Sele, representatives from SARS, WRDM MMC Sivuyile Boyce and Gauteng Department of Economic Development Head Mpho Nawa.