How to Apply for the Spaza Shop Support Fund and Get Up to R300,000
Running a spaza shop takes a LOT of hard work.
Stocking up. Dealing with customers. Keeping things going day after day. And sometimes, you just need a little help to grow…
The good news? Help is here.
The South African government has launched a R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund to help shop owners in townships and rural areas.
You could get up to R300,000 in funding to use for stock, upgrades, training, and more.
Here’s exactly how it works and how to apply.
What is the Spaza Shop Support Fund?
The Spaza Shop Support Fund is a funding program launched by the Department of Small Business Development and the National Empowerment Fund.
It helps spaza shop owners in townships and rural areas become formal, compliant, and competitive.
If you are a spaza shop owner, you can get:
- Up to R300,000 in funding
- Money for stock purchases
- Support for upgrading your store (like fridges, shelves, signage)
- Free business training and mentorship
- A mix of grants (no repayment) and interest-free loans
Who can apply for spaza shop funding?
To qualify, you must:
- Be a South African citizen or naturalised before 1994
- Own and run a spaza shop in a township or rural area
- Be registered with your local municipality
- Be willing to use a business bank account and accept digital payments
- Have a SARS tax number or be willing to register within 6 months
VERY IMPORTANT: If you want to apply for more than R80,000, you'll need to register your business with the CIPC.
Don’t worry, you can register a spaza shop online – quick and easy.
Another important detail is, anyone can apply, but priority is given to…
- Youth (18–35)
- Women
- People with disabilities
What does the R500 million fund for spaza shops cover?
If you apply for up to R100,000:
- R40,000 for stock (through approved suppliers)
- R50,000 for infrastructure (like shelves, fridges, signage, security)
- Free training in business management and digital tools
- All of this is grant funding, so you don’t need to pay it back
If you apply for R100,001 to R300,000:
- R40,000 for stock
- The rest is split: half grant, half interest-free loan
- Access to advanced business development and mentorship
This is a very powerful opportunity for township businesses looking to grow with proper support.
What documents do you need to apply?
To apply for this spaza shop grant in South Africa, you’ll need these documents:
- Certified ID copy
- Proof of municipal registration
- Proof of physical shop address
- SARS tax number or proof of application
- Proof of business bank account
- CIPC registration certificate (if applying for R80,000+)
- Optional: bank statements and a simple business plan (here is a free one page business plan template for you)
How to apply for the Spaza Shop Support Fund
Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Visit www.spazashopfund.co.za
- Click on “Apply Now”
- Create an account
- Fill in your business details
- Upload your documents
- Submit and wait for updates via email or SMS
Need help? Call 011 305 8080 or email [email protected]
What if your business isn’t registered or compliant?
Don’t panic. You can still apply, you just need to get the paperwork in order.
That’s where Govchain can help.
We help small businesses with:
- CIPC registration
- Getting a SARS tax number
- Opening a business bank account
- Keeping your financials and compliance up to date
Let us help you get ready to apply for the Spaza Shop Fund.
This is a MASSIVE opportunity for spaza shop owners across South Africa, and you should really take it with both hands.
Whether you need stock, equipment, or support to grow, the Spaza Shop Support Fund is here to help you build something sustainable.
Don't miss your chance… this could be the turning point for your business.
You don’t have to do it alone, we’ve got your back!