Isivande Women’ Fund (IWF)
- ESD Funds up to R2,000,000
- Financial and non-financial support
- Addresses funding gaps
[Accessed July 27, 2023]
About Isivande Women’ Fund (IWF)
The Isivande Women's Fund (IWF) is a specialised fund with the aim of accelerating the economic empowerment of women in South Africa.
It provides affordable, practical, and responsive financial support to women entrepreneurs who already have established businesses. While initially focused solely on women, the IWF has expanded its scope to include all black individuals in the country.
Closing the funding gap: Accessible finance and support for women-owned businesses
The primary goal of the Isivande Women's Fund is to promote black economic empowerment by offering funding, education, and training to empower women and drive their economic advancement.
The fund seeks to bridge the funding gap by providing accessible and reliable financial resources. Additionally, it offers various support services to enhance the success of businesses, including funding for startups, business expansion, rehabilitation, franchising, and bridging finance.
Partnering for success: IDF managers and the Isivande Women's Fund
The management of the IWF is entrusted to the IDF, acting on behalf of the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC). IDF Managers, a development fund manager, specializes in supporting the establishment of self-sustaining black-owned businesses in South Africa by providing both financial and non-financial support to the companies it invests in.
Are you eligible for ESD funding?
To be eligible for funding from the Isivande Women's Fund, enterprises must meet specific criteria.
These include a minimum operational period of six months, a need for early-stage, expansion, or growth capital, ownership and management by a black individual holding at least 50% plus one share, potential for commercial sustainability and growth, and a positive social impact through job creation.
Entrepreneurs seeking funding ranging from R30,000 to R2 million are encouraged to apply to the Isivande Women's Fund.
The Isivande Women's Fund is committed to empowering women entrepreneurs in South Africa by providing them with the necessary funding and support to build successful and sustainable businesses. By addressing the financial challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, the fund contributes to inclusive economic growth and empowerment.
Isivande Women’ Fund (IWF) Services
Isivande Women's Fund (IWF) offers comprehensive business funding solutions to empower women entrepreneurs in South Africa. With a focus on promoting economic empowerment, the fund provides accessible and responsive financial support to women-owned and managed enterprises.
The IWF aims to bridge the financing gap that women entrepreneurs often face by offering affordable and usable finance options. Through its funding programs, the fund assists women in accessing the capital they need to start, expand, or rehabilitate their businesses. Whether it's providing start-up funding for new ventures, facilitating business expansion, supporting franchise opportunities, or offering bridging finance, the IWF is committed to helping women entrepreneurs achieve their goals.
Managed by the IDF on behalf of the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC), the IWF operates through IDF Managers, a specialised development fund manager. IDF Managers plays a crucial role in supporting the creation of self-sustaining black-owned businesses in South Africa. In addition to financial support, IDF Managers offers non-financial assistance and guidance to investee companies, ensuring their long-term success.
To qualify for business funding from the Isivande Women's Fund, enterprises must meet certain criteria. These include being formally registered, having at least 50% plus one share owned and managed by women, and operating for a minimum of six months. The fund is open to all black individuals in South Africa, expanding its reach beyond women-only initiatives.
Helping women overcome financial barriers and succeed
By providing business funding, the IWF aims to empower women entrepreneurs to overcome financial barriers and achieve sustainable growth. The fund recognizes the potential of women-owned businesses to contribute to economic development and job creation. Through its support, the IWF not only provides financial resources but also equips women entrepreneurs with the necessary tools, training, and mentoring to enhance their business acumen and competitiveness.
Entrepreneurs seeking funding from the Isivande Women's Fund can apply for loans ranging from R30,000 to R2 million. The fund's application process is designed to be accessible and straightforward, ensuring that women entrepreneurs have a fair chance to secure the financial support they need.
Isivande Women’ Fund (IWF) – ESD Fund
- Loan Type ESD Funds
- Loan Amount up to R2,000,000
Benefits of Isivande Women’ Fund (IWF)
- Dedicated to accelerating the economic empowerment of women in South Africa.
- Provides practical and affordable financial support to established women-owned businesses.
- Addresses the funding gap for women entrepreneurs by offering accessible financial resources.
- Provides funding for startups, business expansion, rehabilitation, franchising, and bridging finance.
- IDF Managers specialise in supporting the establishment of self-sustaining black-owned businesses.
- Offers both financial and non-financial support to the companies it invests in.
- Application process is straightforward and accessible.
- Entrepreneurs can apply for loans ranging from R30,000 to R2 million.
- Beyond providing financial support, equips women entrepreneurs with tools, training, and mentoring.
- Initially focused on women, the fund has expanded to include all black individuals in South Africa.
- Ensures a wider reach and inclusivity in its initiatives.
- Addresses financial barriers to help women-owned businesses achieve sustainable growth
- Facilitates the success of women entrepreneurs through financial support and capacity building.
- Application process is straightforward and accessible.
- Provides a step-by-step guide for applicants to ensure a successful application.
- Applicants can inquire about the progress of their applications after submission.
- Offers transparency and accessibility for applicants throughout the process.
Step into success: How to apply for ESD funding through the Isivande Women's Fund
Applying for ESD (Enterprise and Supplier Development) funding through the Isivande Women's Fund is a straightforward process. Follow the step-by-step guide below to ensure a successful application:
Step 1: Visit the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) Office
To apply in person, visit the office of the DTIC. You can find the address and contact details of the DTIC on their website.
Step 2: Obtain the Application Form
Once at the DTIC office, request the application form for the Isivande Women's Fund from the relevant department. Ensure you have all the necessary documents as directed by the Department.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Fill in the application form with the required details. Provide accurate and relevant information about your enterprise, including business plan, financial information, and tax clearance PIN.
Step 4: Gather Required Documents
Collect all the documents required for the application process. This may include a certified identity document or passport copy, residential proof, financial statements, bank statements, proof of ownership, valid tax clearance certificate, and other supporting documents.
Step 5: Submit the Application Package
Attach all the necessary documents to the completed application form. Submit the package to the relevant authority at the DTIC office. Ensure you make any required payment as specified.
Step 6: Monitor Application Progress
After submission, you can inquire about the progress of your application at the office where you submitted it. They will provide information regarding the status of your request.
Eligibility Requirements:
- The women-owned enterprise must have been in operation for at least six months.
- The enterprise should require early-stage expansions and growth capital.
- The enterprise must be 50% + 1 share women-owned and/or managed.
- The enterprise should have commercial sustainability and growth potential.
Please note that fees and processing times may vary, so it is advisable to contact the relevant authorities for specific details. Remember to carefully complete the application form, ensuring all information is legible and accurate. Attach all the necessary documents according to the specified criteria to avoid any rejection or delays.
The Isivande Women's Fund aims to provide affordable and usable finance to accelerate women's economic empowerment. By following the application process diligently, you increase your chances of obtaining the funding you need to grow your business and contribute to the economic development of South Africa.
Isivande Women’ Fund (IWF) Contact
Physical Address
- Tshedimosetso House, 1035 Schoeman St, Hatfield Pretoria Gauteng 0028 South Africa
- Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Monday 08:00 – 16:00
- Tuesday 08:00 – 16:00
- Wednesday 08:00 – 16:00
- Thursday 08:00 – 16:00
- Friday 08:00 – 16:00
- Saturday – Closed
- Sunday – Closed