Grow your business: tenders, programmes and new markets

1. Register on the Central Supplier Database

Every government supplier must be on the CSD. You'll need your ID or company registration number, contact and address details, bank details (bank verification can take up to 4 days), tax details and your directors.

Registration is free, so ignore anyone who asks you to pay to register.

2. Get your paperwork in order

Buyers check that you're tax compliant on the CSD or eFiling before they award a contract. If a tender awards points for specific goals, such as black, women or disabled ownership, you'll need proof such as a B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit. Many clients also ask for a COIDA Letter of Good Standing.

3. Find tenders

eTenders is government's central tender portal, run by National Treasury, and some tenders on it accept online submission. Municipalities also advertise on their own websites, and many have their own vendor registration, so ask the municipality's supply chain office.

4. Complete the bid documents

Use the official forms in the tender pack, including SBD 1 (invitation to bid), SBD 4 (bidder's disclosure) and SBD 6.1 (preference points). Municipal tenders use MBD forms. The bid document sets the closing date and time, the pricing schedule and any compulsory briefing session.

SEDFA incubators

SEDFA, the government's small business development and finance agency, supports incubators across the country. They give start-ups workspace, technical help and business support for a set period, and each runs its own selection. Contact SEDFA to find one near you.

Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)

Funding and support to turn new technology into products, from the Seed Fund to the Technology Development Fund. Calls open from time to time, so check the site for current windows.

SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme

An 18-month programme for businesses that are at least 51% black-owned and have traded for two years or more with recurring revenue. The SAB Foundation also runs the Social Innovation Awards.

The Innovation Hub

Gauteng's innovation agency runs incubators including Maxum, BioPark, the Climate Innovation Centre and eKasiLabs in townships, plus the Gauteng Accelerator Programme.

Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA)

Pays part of the cost of exhibiting at trade shows abroad, joining national pavilions, market research and inward buying missions. You'll need a tax compliance status PIN, at least 40% local content and a link to one of the dtic's priority sectors. Apply 3 to 6 months before the event.

Trade and Investment South Africa (TISA)

The dtic division that runs national pavilions at trade shows, trade missions and the national exporter development programme for new exporters.

Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC)

The state export credit insurer. Its trade credit insurance covers you if a foreign buyer doesn't pay, on payment terms of 7 to 180 days.

The African Continental Free Trade Area

South Africa began trading on preferential terms under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on 31 January 2024. Ask the dtic which lower tariffs apply to your products in the African markets you want to reach.

Employment Tax Incentive (ETI)

Employ someone aged 18 to 29 who earns under R7,500 a month and pay less PAYE. You claim it on your monthly EMP201:

• Pay of R2,500 to R5,499.99: R1,500 a month for the first 12 months, then R750 a month for the next 12.
• Pay below R2,500: 60% of pay, then 30%. From R5,500 the incentive reduces as pay rises.
• Pay at least the national minimum wage (R30.23 an hour from 2 March 2026), or you lose the whole month's claim.

The scheme runs until 28 February 2029.

Youth Employment Service (YES)

Small businesses and NPOs can host young people for 12 months of work experience, with the placements funded by corporate partners through YES.

SETA grants and learnerships

If you pay the Skills Development Levy, submit your workplace skills plan and annual training report to your SETA by 30 April to claim the mandatory grant, a share of your levies back. SETAs also open discretionary grant windows that fund learnerships.

Learnership tax allowance

A registered learnership can also earn you a tax allowance of R40,000 a year per learner for NQF levels 1 to 6, or R20,000 for levels 7 to 10. It applies to learnership agreements signed before 1 April 2027.

Proudly South African

Use the Proudly South African mark to show customers your products and services are local. Membership is R500 a year (excl. VAT) for businesses with turnover under R5 million, and R1,000 for R5 million to R10 million. You need at least 50% local content, quality certification, and labour and environmental compliance.

Supplier development programmes

Many large companies run enterprise and supplier development programmes to bring small suppliers into their supply chains. Ask their procurement teams how to get on the supplier list, and keep your B-BBEE affidavit and tax status ready.

Get found on Google

A free Google Business Profile puts you on Google Search and Maps, with your hours, photos, reviews and directions.

Sell online and take payments

Free and low-cost tools to build a shop, take card and instant payments, deliver and market your business, chosen on merit.