The Jobs Fund is a R9 billion government initiative managed by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) to co-finance projects that significantly contribute to job creation. Launched in 2011, the Fund provides grants that must be matched by private sector, government, or NGO contributions.
Who This Is For
This guide is for:
- Private sector companies with job creation programmes
- NGOs and NPOs implementing employment initiatives
- Training providers and skills development organisations
- Government entities seeking matched funding
- Industry associations running sector development programmes
- Infrastructure developers creating construction employment
About the Jobs Fund
The Jobs Fund was established by National Treasury to support innovative approaches to job creation that can be scaled up if successful. Unlike other government programmes, it operates on a matching fund principle—applicants must contribute at least 50% of project costs.
Funding Windows
The Jobs Fund offers grants through four funding windows, each targeting different approaches to job creation:
Enterprise Development
Supports projects that help enterprises grow and create new jobs, including SME development, incubation, access to markets, and value chain integration.
Eligible Activities:
- SME incubation and acceleration programmes
- Access to finance programmes
- Market access and value chain integration
- Technology adoption for job creation
- Sector development initiatives
- Franchise and dealership development
Infrastructure Investment
Supports infrastructure projects that create employment during construction and enable economic activity and job creation upon completion.
Eligible Projects:
Work Seeker Support
Supports programmes that help unemployed people access jobs through training, placement, and support services.
Eligible Programmes:
- Skills training linked to employment
- Job placement and matching services
- Learnerships and internships
- Youth employment programmes
- Work readiness training
- Digital skills development
Institutional Capacity Building
Supports the development of institutions that can deliver sustainable employment services and support.
Focus Areas:
Eligibility Requirements
Entity Requirements
Eligible Applicants:
- South African registered companies (Pty Ltd)
- Non-profit organisations (NPOs/NPCs)
- Industry associations and business chambers
- State-owned entities and government departments
- Universities and research institutions
- Municipalities and local government
Basic Requirements:
- Registered in South Africa
- Tax compliant (valid TCC)
- Clean track record (no fraud or corruption)
- Demonstrated implementation capacity
- Ability to provide matching contribution
- Sound governance and financial management
Matching Contribution
The Jobs Fund requires applicants to contribute at least 50% of total project costs. This matching contribution can be cash or in-kind, but cash is preferred.
| Contribution Type | Details | Preference |
|---|---|---|
| Cash contribution | Direct funding from applicant or partners | Preferred |
| In-kind (staff time) | Valued at actual salary costs | Accepted |
| In-kind (facilities) | Valued at market rates | Accepted |
| In-kind (equipment) | Depreciated value of equipment used | Limited |
How to Apply
Call for Proposals
The Jobs Fund issues periodic "Calls for Proposals" targeting specific sectors, themes, or funding windows. You cannot apply outside of an active call period.
How to Stay Informed:
- Register on the Jobs Fund website for notifications
- Monitor National Treasury and DBSA announcements
- Check Government Gazette for formal calls
- Follow Jobs Fund on social media
Application Stages
Concept Note
Submit a brief concept note outlining your project idea, expected job creation, matching contribution, and implementation approach. This is typically 5-10 pages.
Initial Screening
Jobs Fund team screens concept notes for eligibility, strategic fit, and basic viability. Shortlisted applicants are invited to submit full proposals.
Full Proposal
Develop a comprehensive proposal with detailed implementation plan, budget, job creation methodology, M&E framework, and supporting documentation.
Due Diligence
DBSA conducts technical, financial, and organisational due diligence. Site visits and interviews are common. This phase can take 3-6 months.
Approval & Contracting
Approved projects are presented to the Investment Committee. Upon approval, grant agreements are negotiated and signed.
Required Documents
- Organisation registration documents (CIPC, NPO certificate)
- Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC)
- 3 years audited financial statements
- Proof of matching contribution (bank statements, commitment letters)
- Detailed implementation plan with milestones
- Budget breakdown by activity and year
- Job creation methodology and targets
- CVs of key project team members
- B-BBEE certificate
- Monitoring and evaluation framework
Cost Per Job Calculation
The Jobs Fund uses "cost per job" as a key metric to evaluate proposals. Understanding this calculation is critical to a successful application.
Cost Per Job Formula:
Cost Per Job = Total Project Cost ÷ Number of Jobs CreatedJob Types Counted:
- Direct permanent jobs: Full weight in calculation
- Direct temporary jobs: Counted separately, converted to FTEs
- Indirect jobs: Must have clear methodology to count
- Training placements: Only count if leads to employment
Tips for Success
Clear Job Creation Logic
Show exactly how your activities lead to jobs. The "theory of change" must be credible and verifiable.
Solid Matching Contribution
Demonstrate committed, verified matching funds. Letters of commitment from partners and bank statements strengthen applications.
Sustainability Plan
Show how the project and jobs will be sustained after Jobs Fund support ends. Exit strategies are critical.
Strong Implementation Capacity
Demonstrate your organisation's track record in delivering similar programmes. Include CVs of experienced team members.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Inflated job numbers: Overstating expected job creation without credible methodology or evidence.
- Weak matching: Relying heavily on in-kind contributions without cash commitment.
- Generic proposals: Not tailoring applications to the specific call requirements and focus areas.
- Poor M&E: Lacking clear indicators and systems to track and verify job creation.
- No sustainability: Projects that end when funding ends, with no plan for continuation.
- Late submission: Missing call deadlines—there are no extensions.
Next Steps
Ready to Apply?
- Visit Jobs Fund website: www.jobsfund.org.za
- Register for notifications: Sign up to receive alerts when new calls for proposals are announced
- Review past calls: Understand what types of projects have been funded previously
- Prepare your concept: Develop your project idea so you're ready when a relevant call opens
- Secure matching funds: Line up your matching contribution before a call is announced
Youth Funding Pathway
Many Jobs Fund projects target youth employment. Explore all youth funding options.
SA Funding Landscape
Understand all funding options available to South African enterprises.
Ready to Apply?
Browse live Jobs Fund funding programmes in FundingOS. Check your readiness before applying to identify any gaps in your documentation.
Need Help Applying to the Jobs Fund?
Connect with funding consultants who specialize in Jobs Fund applications and can help develop your job creation proposal.
- Business plan development
- Financial projections
- Funding application support
- Pitch deck preparation