Spaza shop owners in townships and rural areas can apply for up to R100 000 in government funding to improve their businesses, buy stock and create jobs.

The Spaza Shop Support Fund, launched in 2025 by the Department of Small Business Development, provides grants and loans to qualifying food-handling businesses for upgrades, training and stock purchases. Funding above R50 000 is provided as a 50/50 grant and loan.

Applicants must be South African citizens, operate in a township or rural area, comply with municipal, health and safety requirements, and actively manage the business.

Required documents include an ID copy, business registration documents, proof of address, proof that the business is operating, bank confirmation and a municipal permit.

Applications can be submitted online at https://systemsnew.sefa.org.za/SMMEPortal/. Priority is given to young entrepreneurs, women-owned businesses and businesses owned by people with disabilities.

More information is available at

www.spazashopfund.co.za.