Covid-19 and the national lockdown has had devastating impact on the economy as a whole, with the township economy being one of the biggest casualties.
The Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Destea), says in a statement that the National Department of Tourism’s Tourism Relief Fund, to the total value of R200 million, offers R50 000 once-off assistance to entities.
According to Destea the categories that may apply for this fund include accommodation establishments, hospitality and travel and related services. The funds could be used by SMMEs for fixed costs, operational, supplies and other pressures.
For more information on the Tourism Relief Fund visit: www.tourism.gov.za. Applications can be submitted for funding by completing a form accessible online at www.tourism.gov.za/Pages/COVID19tourismrelieffund.aspx before 31 May 2020.
In addition the National Department of Small Business Development will be implementing a second-wave of support for informal, micro and small enterprises including cooperatives based in townships and villages, namely small-scale bakeries and confectioneries support schemes, informal and small scaling clothing and textile schemes and automotive aftermarkets.
In order to apply, businesses will need:
- An entity registered with CIPC as a legal entity including cooperatives;
- An entity registered with CIPC as a legal entity including cooperatives;
- The business must be 100% owned by South African nationals;
- Employees must be 70% South Africans, and in the case of non-South African employees – they must hold valid work permits as determined by the Department of Home Affairs;
- The business must be operating in a township or village;
- The business must be registered or must apply for registration with SARS and UIF; and
- The business must have a valid business bank account or willing to open a business account
- Central Supplier Database (MAAA number)
- Business Proposal
- COA/Health & Safety certificate
Application forms and more details for these schemes will be available online at: https://smmesa.gov.za/.
SMMEs are further requested to send the information about their registration – the name of the fund they applied for, the date they applied, the name of their business and the reference number received when applying to [email protected] or call 060 588 6970, so that their applications can be tracked.
A webinar will also be hosted at 11:00 on 3 June 2020, for any Free State SMME’s that experience challenges during the evaluation and approval stages.
Sazly Hartzenberg
