+27 (0) 11 833 5959 gepenquiries@gep.co.za Johannesburg, Gauteng

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about GEP services and funding

General Questions

Yes you can. The Online System can be accessed outside GEP offices. You can log on to www.gep.co.za, click on Online to apply. Alternatively, you can visit one of GEP regional offices for assistance. You may also call us at: 087 057 2000.

The online system will store your information safely. You will also be given a reference number that you should use to track the status of your application.

There are procedures that are set for financial support to be provided. Once the application is received, a need analysis is made which determines the type of business, location, number of years your business has been operating, support required, and whether your business is compliant.

There is currently Community Fund, which is given to businesses that have been operating for six months to a year. The Township Business Revitalisation (TBR) and Cooperative Assistance Programme (CAP) for businesses that have been operating for two years and are in townships. These types of funding are processed at the regional Offices. Financial loans are done at the GEP Head Office.

GEP has a Business Development Support programme that assists with the above. As we have mentioned, any assistance requires needs analysis first to determine the relevancy of the support.

Township Economy Partnership Fund (TEPF)

The Township Economy Partnership Fund (TEPF) is a partnership between the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED), the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). The fund supports SMMEs in the township economy of Gauteng in sectors that include (but not limited to) Manufacturing, The Taxi Economy, ICT, Backyard Real Estate upgrading and retail.

The TEP is a fund aimed at supporting vulnerable township small businesses that are unable to access funding from private funding institutions, government and other business support programmes.

To qualify the SMME, CO-OPERATIVE OR START UP:
  • Must operate in Gauteng and have its head office in Gauteng
  • Be 100% South African owned
  • Be trading for over a year
  • Be registered with CIPC
  • Be compliant with SARS
  • Have a valid South African identity document
Priority will be given to businesses owned by women, youth, and people with disabilities.

The funding will prioritise businesses based in townships but will not exclude others.

Informal traders can apply, and to qualify they must:
  • Have a valid South African identity document
  • Operate in Gauteng
  • 100% ownership by a South African citizen
  • Provide bank statements to prove operations
  • Provide an original and valid trading permit (only permits or licenses issued by the municipality will be accepted, councillor letters are not valid)
  • Be registered and compliant with CIPC and SARS (assistance available if not registered or compliant yet)

The loan/grant blend will be capped at R1 million for small businesses in distress and R50,000 for informal businesses. You can apply for up to R10 million.

All sectors are funded. The fund will prioritise the township-based sectors such as:
  • Manufacturing
  • The taxi economy
  • ICT
  • Backyard Real Estate upgrading
  • Retail

The taxi economy refers to all business activities that revolve around taxi commuting. These include retail, parts supply, upholstery, commuter advertising, informal trading, and other activities.

Businesses can apply on www.gep.co.za using the GEP online application system. For enquiries, please send an email to enquiries@gep.co.za or visit GEP offices nearest to you for assistance.

To apply as an intermediary, send your proposal to partnerships@gep.co.za

Gauteng Rebuilding Fund

The Gauteng Rebuilding fund specifically supports businesses affected by COVID-19 and looting/unrest.

Eligibility requirements:
  • The applying business must be based in Gauteng
  • The business must demonstrate the ability to service the loan through a repayment plan
  • Businesses must provide evidence that the enterprise was trading before the unrest (bank statements, invoices, lease agreements)
  • The business should not have applied for national government insurance relief through SASRIA or other insurance

GEP can offer microfinance, contract finance, asset finance, and term loans depending on your business needs. The financial assistance offered is a 50/50 blend of loan and grant.

Businesses can use the funding for any of the following:
  • Rebuilding costs
  • Funds for repairs
  • Funds to replace stock or inventory
  • Funds to replace equipment
  • Restored access to critical supplies
  • Increased business security
  • Restoring infrastructure
  • Funds to cover staff costs during business downtime
  • Business rescue services

The loan/grant blend will be capped at R1 million for small businesses in distress and R50,000 for informal businesses.

Decisions on funding and grants are based on:
  • Availability of funds (first-come, first-served basis)
  • The previous performance of the applying business
  • The strength of the financial projections
  • The business type and sector
  • Submission and fulfilment of all legal and regulatory requirements

The fund will NOT support:
  • Businesses that have claimed from insurance
  • Financing for normal expansions
  • Payment of non-operational expenditure such as bonuses
  • Financing of new enterprises

Applications will take a maximum of four weeks to be processed and finalised, provided all documents and requirements have been fulfilled and the availability of funds.

Still Have Questions?

Our team is here to help you

Call 087 057 2000 enquiries@gep.co.za