Navigating Online Funding Portals: Complete Guide

Technical Requirements

Documents You'll Need (Digital Copies)

Prepare scanned copies of these documents before starting any application. Most portals require PDF format under 5MB per file:

• Certified ID copies (all directors/members)
• CIPC registration documents (COR14.3 or COR15.1A)
• Tax clearance certificate or TCS PIN
• Bank statements (last 6 months, PDF format)
• Financial statements or management accounts
• Business plan (for larger applications)
• B-BBEE certificate or EME affidavit
• Proof of business address

Registration Process

1. Navigate to Portal

   Visit portal.sedfa.org.za and click "Register" or "New User Registration" (top right corner).

2. Choose User Type

   Select "Business Owner/Director" (not "Service Provider" unless you're a consultant).

3. Enter Business Details

   Provide your CIPC registration number—the system auto-populates company name and directors from CIPC database.

4. Personal Information

   Enter your ID number, cellphone, and email. Use a cellphone you have access to (OTPs are sent for verification).

5. Create Password

   Choose a strong password (min 8 characters, 1 uppercase, 1 number, 1 special character). Save it securely.

6. Verify Email & Cellphone

   You'll receive OTPs via SMS and email. Enter both to verify your account. Check spam folders if not received within 5 minutes.

7. Complete Profile

   Upload required verification documents (ID, CIPC docs, B-BBEE). Your profile must be "Verified" before applying.

Submitting Applications

1. Log In & Select Programme

   Log in and go to "Applications" → "New Application". Select the programme type (Integrated Finance, Youth, Women, Cooperatives, etc.).

2. Pre-Screening Questions

   Answer eligibility questions. The system will recommend programmes or notify you if you don't meet criteria.

3. Application Form Sections

   The form has multiple sections (save progress frequently):

   • Business Information: Pre-filled from your profile, confirm accuracy
   • Funding Request: Amount, purpose, repayment plan (if loan)
   • Financial Information: Revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities
   • Supporting Documents: Upload PDFs (watch file size limits)
   • Declaration: Confirm accuracy, sign electronically
4. Upload Documents

   Click "Upload" next to each document requirement. Wait for "Upload Successful" confirmation before moving on.

5. Review & Submit

   Review all sections (system shows completion percentage). Click "Submit Application" when 100% complete.

6. Confirmation

   You'll receive a reference number via email and SMS. Save this for tracking and communication.

Tracking Your Application

Log in to the portal and go to "My Applications". Each application shows a status:

SEDFA Portal Tips

• Save often: Use "Save Draft" button every 10-15 minutes to avoid losing work due to timeout
• Upload limits: PDFs only, max 5MB per file. Compress large files before uploading
• Branch assistance: Struggling? Visit your nearest SEDFA branch for in-person help
• Messaging: Use portal's internal messaging for queries (faster than email)

OIS Registration

1. Access the System

   Go to ois.thedtic.gov.za and click "Register" (right side of page).

2. Company Registration

   Enter your CIPC registration number. System validates with CIPC in real-time (may take 30 seconds).

3. Contact Person Details

   Provide your full name, ID number, designation, email, and cellphone. This person becomes the primary contact.

4. Set Password

   Create a strong password (system enforces complexity rules). Confirm via email verification link.

5. Company Profile

   Complete your company profile: sector, location, employee count, turnover, B-BBEE level. This determines incentive eligibility.

6. Upload Company Documents

   Upload CIPC docs, B-BBEE, tax clearance, bank confirmation letter (PDF).

Incentive Applications

1. Select Incentive

   Log in, go to "Applications" → "New Application". Browse incentives or use the eligibility checker to find suitable programmes.

2. Eligibility Check

   Answer pre-qualifying questions. System confirms eligibility or explains why you don't qualify.

3. Application Sections

   Each incentive has a unique form structure. Common sections include project details, budget breakdown, expected outcomes, and job creation.

4. Cost Breakdown

   Most incentives require detailed cost breakdown (itemized quotes, invoices). Use the system's cost template if provided.

5. Supporting Documents

   Upload programme-specific documents (quotes, project plan, market analysis). Each has specific requirements—read descriptions carefully.

6. Declaration & Submit

   Complete declaration confirming accuracy. Submit when all sections show "Complete".

OIS Portal Tips

• Quotes matter: Itemized quotes from suppliers are mandatory for most incentives. Get these before starting
• Reimbursement model: Most DTIC incentives are reimbursement-based (you spend first, then claim)
• Application windows: Some incentives open quarterly. Check calendar in portal
• Document naming: OIS is strict about file names. Follow guidelines shown on upload screens

Creating Your NYDA Profile

1. Access Portal

   Visit services.nyda.gov.za and click "Register" or "Create Account".

2. Personal Details

   Enter your ID number (system checks you're 18-35), full name, contact details, highest qualification.

3. Business Information (if applicable)

   If you have a business, provide CIPC number, industry, location, employee count.

4. Create Login

   Choose username and password. Verify email address via link sent to your inbox.

5. Complete Youth Profile

   Answer questions about your skills, education, employment status. This helps NYDA match you with opportunities.

6. Upload Documents

   Upload ID, proof of address, qualifications, business registration (if applicable).

Applying for NYDA Funding

1. Browse Opportunities

   Log in and go to "Opportunities" or "Funding". Browse grants, loans, and vouchers. Each shows eligibility criteria.

2. Select Programme

   Click "Apply Now" on your chosen programme. Read the full description and requirements before starting.

3. Business Plan Upload

   Most NYDA funding requires a business plan. Upload using their template (available in portal downloads section).

4. Financial Projections

   Complete financial projections form: revenue forecast, cash flow, profit/loss. Be realistic—NYDA verifies numbers.

5. Supporting Documents

   Upload quotes for equipment/stock you're buying, lease agreement (if applicable), bank statements.

6. Motivation & Declaration

   Write a motivation explaining why you need funding and how it will help. Sign declaration electronically.

7. Submit & Track

   Submit application. You can track progress in "My Applications" section. NYDA may invite you for interview.

NYDA Portal Tips

• Use the template: NYDA provides business plan templates in the portal. Using them increases approval chances
• Skills programmes: Consider applying for training before funding. Trained entrepreneurs get priority
• Branch visits: NYDA has branches nationwide. Visit one for help with online applications
• Mentorship link: Apply for mentorship through the portal (free)—mentored businesses get preference

NEF Registration

1. Portal Access

   Go to applications.nefcorp.co.za and click "Register New Applicant".

2. Business Details

   Enter company registration number, legal name, trading name, physical and postal addresses.

3. Ownership Structure

   Provide details on all shareholders: names, ID numbers, % ownership, race, gender. NEF requires 51%+ black ownership.

4. Contact Person

   Designate primary contact: name, position, email, cellphone. This person receives all communications.

5. Create Login Credentials

   Set username and password. Verify email address to activate account.

NEF Application Process

1. Choose Fund

   Log in and select the NEF fund that matches your needs: iMbewu (startups), uMnotho (established), Rural & Community, Strategic Projects, etc.

2. Eligibility Quiz

   Complete eligibility questions. System notifies you if you qualify to proceed.

3. Application Form

   Complete multi-page form covering business history, management team, market analysis, financial position, funding request.

4. Financial Information

   Upload 3 years of audited/reviewed financial statements (or management accounts for startups). Be prepared to explain any losses.

5. Business Plan

   Upload detailed business plan covering market opportunity, competitive advantage, growth strategy, financial forecasts.

6. Use of Funds

   Provide detailed breakdown of how NEF funding will be used (working capital, equipment, expansion, acquisitions, etc.).

7. Supporting Documents

   Upload all required docs: CIPC, B-BBEE (verified), tax clearance, bank confirmation, shareholding certificates, CVs of key management.

8. Declaration & Submit

   Sign electronic declaration confirming information accuracy. Submit for review.

NEF Portal Tips

• B-BBEE verification: Get your B-BBEE certificate from an accredited agency. Self-declarations are not accepted
• Financial statements: NEF prefers audited statements. If you only have management accounts, explain why
• Larger amounts: NEF typically funds R1m+. For smaller amounts, consider SEDFA or NYDA
• Pre-consultation: NEF offers pre-application consultations. Request one before applying for guidance

Troubleshooting Guide

Getting Technical Support