This scheme provides financial assistance and aid for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) negatively impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

OVERVIEW

  • The Sukuma Relief Programme offers distinct and separate financial aid to formal sole proprietors and close corporations, companies,
    and trusts.

For formal sole proprietors:

A grant of R25, 000 per qualifying business

  • The money can be used to pay for overheads.
  • Once approved, your grant will be paid in one single payment

QUALIFICATION CRITERIA

For formal sole proprietors:

  • Must be tax compliant
  • Must be regulatory compliant
  • Must provide evidence of financial activity prior to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak via an active bank account

For close corporations, companies and trusts:

  • Financial aid in the form of a loan of
    between R250 000 and R1 million coupled with a non-repayable grant of R25 000
    per qualifying business
  • There is no security requirement for the loan
  • The loan will be structured over 60 months under the
    following terms:
    • No repayment obligations for 12 months
    • No interest for 12 months
    • Interest to be raised at the prime rate from month 13
    • Repayment of the loan to commence from month 13
  • The money can be used to cover payroll, rental, and other monthly overheads
  • Once approved, your first payout will be made within 7 working days of your application. Thereafter, your approved financial aid will be disbursed over a period of 3 months subject to you submitting documents monthly which support our continued need for financial aid.

 

    HOW DO I REGISTER / APPLY?

    This scheme has been closed as applications have exceeded
    available funds.

    The scheme will reopen for new applications if additional capital for the programme is secured.

    SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED

    For formal sole proprietors:
    Applicants are required to submit the following documents and information with their application:

    • 3 months’ bank statements of the business for the period 01 December 2019 to 29 February 2020 to assess operations before the lockdown
    • Copy of identity document
    • Copy of business license (where applicable)
    • Copy of tax clearance certificate

    For close corporations, companies, and trusts:
    Applicants are required to submit the following documents and information with their application:

    • Annual financial statements for the financial period ended 28 February 2019, signed off by a professional accountant
    • Management accounts for the period 01 March 2019 until at least 31 December 2019
    • The latest available EMP201 document submitted to SARS, not older than 3 months
    • 3 months’ bank statements of the business for the period 01 December 2019 to 29 February 2020 to assess operations before the lockdown
    • A rental (premises) statement, not older than 3 months
    • The statements for any other credit agreements such as asset finance or trade finance loan agreements as at 31 January 2020
    • Motivation and supporting documentation clearly illustrating the financial distress suffered by the SME as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak
    • Statement of assets and liabilities for the main business owner
    • Copies of identity documents of all directors, shareholders, members, and trustees as applicable
    • Copy of marriage certificate including ANC contract, divorce certificate, or death certificate where applicable
    • Company documents
      • Copy of registration certificate
      • Copy of memorandum of incorporation
      • Copy of the company’s share register
    • Close corporation
      • Founding statement
    • Trust documents (if applicable)
      • Copy of the trust deed
      • Copy of the Master’s Authority Certificate
      • Copy of IDs of all trustees
    • Confirmation of bank account details issued by the relevant bank

     

    WHERE CAN I
    FIND SUPPORT?

    Follow the link to the website: click here. 

    FAQ

     

    SOLE PROPRIETORS

    How do you define a formal sole proprietor?

     Individuals conducting formal business in their personal capacity, such as personal services or consulting operations often employing more than two individuals. The business is registered with the relevant authorities in terms of a business license and tax.

    Is the grant repayable?

    No, the grant is not repayable. However we encourage beneficiaries of the financial aid to pay it forward and repay as much of the grant to the public benefit organisation created for the initiative as they can afford. The money will be used to provide financial aid to other business owners in need in future.

    Do formal sole proprietors qualify for a loan?

     No. 

    Are there any industries that are excluded from receiving financial aid?

     No.

    CLOSE CORPORATIONS, COMPANIES, AND TRUSTS

    Can I make more than one application if I have more than one business?

     Yes, you can – each business will be assessed on its own merit. However priority will be on supporting as many business owners as possible. 

    Are there any industries that are excluded from receiving financial aid?
    No.
    If my company is not approved for a loan, can I still get a grant?
    No, unfortunately the grant is a benefit that is coupled with the loan approval.

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