Entrepreneurs with disabilities have access to dedicated funding programmes, enhanced B-BBEE benefits, and preferential procurement opportunities in South Africa. This guide covers all available funding, support, and preferences for people with disabilities starting or growing businesses.
Who This Is For
This guide is for:
- Entrepreneurs with disabilities starting new businesses
- Existing business owners with disabilities seeking growth funding
- Businesses majority-owned (51%+) by people with disabilities
- Organisations supporting disability entrepreneurship
- Anyone supporting a person with disability in business
Policy Framework
Disability Rights
South Africa's policy framework supports disability inclusion in business:
- Constitution: Section 9 equality and non-discrimination
- Employment Equity Act: People with disabilities as designated group
- B-BBEE Codes: Enhanced recognition for disability ownership
- White Paper on Rights of PWDs: Economic empowerment focus
- National Development Plan: Disability inclusion targets
B-BBEE Benefits for Disability
B-BBEE regulations provide substantial benefits to businesses owned by people with disabilities:
Ownership Recognition
Black disabled ownership counts 1.25x towards ownership points—25% ownership by a black disabled person counts as 31.25%.
Level Enhancement
51%+ black disabled ownership can qualify for enhanced B-BBEE level recognition in certain procurement scenarios.
EME/QSE Benefits
EMEs and QSEs with 51%+ black disabled ownership automatically qualify for Level 1 or 2 contributor status.
Supplier Development
Corporates get enhanced points for developing suppliers owned by people with disabilities.
Funding Sources
SEDFA Programmes
SEDFA provides dedicated support for entrepreneurs with disabilities through mainstream programmes with disability-specific consideration.
Available Support:
- Integrated SMME Finance: Loans up to R15M
- Business Development Vouchers: Access to services
- Incubation Support: Mentorship and infrastructure
- Technology Transfer: Assistive technology funding
NYDA Support
The NYDA provides funding and support to young entrepreneurs with disabilities aged 18-35.
Programmes:
Grant Programme
Up to R100,000 grant funding with no repayment required
Voucher Programme
Business development services including mentorship
National Development Agency (NDA)
The NDA provides capacity building and grant funding to civil society organisations, including disability-focused enterprises.
Support Available:
- Capacity building for disability organisations
- Income-generating project funding
- Cooperative development support
- Community development initiatives
Provincial Programmes
Provincial development agencies and social development departments offer disability-specific funding:
| Province | Agency | Support Type |
|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | GEP, GEDA | Grants, incubation |
| Western Cape | DEDAT, Red Door | Business support |
| KwaZulu-Natal | EDTEA, Ithala | Loans, grants |
| Eastern Cape | ECDC | Development finance |
| All Provinces | Social Development | Disability grants |
Corporate ESD Support
Major corporations offer Enterprise and Supplier Development programmes that prioritise disability-owned businesses:
Why Corporates Support Disability ESD:
- Enhanced B-BBEE points for disability supplier development
- Corporate social investment priorities
- Diversity and inclusion commitments
- Preferential procurement policy requirements
How to Access:
- Register on corporate supplier databases
- Clearly indicate disability ownership status
- Participate in disability business exhibitions
- Connect through disability business chambers
Procurement Preferences
Preferential Points
The Preferential Procurement Regulations provide enhanced points for disability-owned businesses:
Designated Group Benefits
People with disabilities are a designated group under Employment Equity and B-BBEE, providing multiple procurement advantages:
Support Organisations
Disability SA
National umbrella organisation coordinating disability sector support
South African Disability Alliance
Cross-disability advocacy and support organisation
QuadPara Association
Support for people with spinal cord injuries, including business
Blind SA
Support for blind and visually impaired entrepreneurs
Deaf Federation of SA
Support for deaf and hard of hearing business owners
SA Federation for Mental Health
Support for entrepreneurs with psychosocial disabilities
Eligibility Requirements
Disability Documentation
To access disability-specific funding and preferences, you'll need to document your disability status:
Acceptable Documentation:
- Medical certificate confirming disability
- SASSA Disability Grant documentation
- Employment Equity disability form (completed by doctor)
- Assessment from registered medical practitioner
- Occupational therapist assessment
General Business Requirements:
- Registered South African entity
- 51%+ ownership by person(s) with disabilities
- Tax compliant with valid TCC
- B-BBEE certificate indicating disability ownership
- Bank account in business name
- Viable business plan
Application Tips
Document Disability Status
Ensure you have proper medical documentation before applying. This speeds up the verification process significantly.
Update B-BBEE Certificate
Ensure your B-BBEE certificate reflects disability ownership. This is essential for procurement preferences.
Accessibility Considerations
Include any assistive technology or accessibility equipment needs in your funding applications—these are often covered.
Connect with Support Orgs
Disability organisations can provide referrals, support letters, and help navigate funding applications.
- Not including disability status in B-BBEE certificate
- Insufficient medical documentation
- Not leveraging procurement preferences
- Missing disability-specific funding windows
- Not registering on corporate disability supplier databases
Next Steps
Start Your Funding Journey
- Get disability documentation: Obtain medical certification confirming your disability status
- Update B-BBEE certificate: Ensure disability ownership is reflected on your certificate
- Register on CSD: Indicate disability status on your National Treasury Central Supplier Database registration
- Connect with support organisations: Join disability business networks for opportunities and support
- Apply for funding: Target disability-friendly programmes and leverage preferences
SEDFA Complete Guide
Access SEDFA funding with disability considerations.
Women Entrepreneurs Guide
Additional funding if you're a woman with disability.
Need Funding Support for Your Disability-Owned Business?
Get quotes from verified funding consultants who understand disability entrepreneurship and can help with B-BBEE certification and funding applications.
- Business plan development
- Financial projections
- Funding application support
- Pitch deck preparation