Applications have opened for the Western Cape government’s SMME Booster Fund 2021, which will distribute up to R20 million (€1.17m) to organisations and municipalities for programmes that focus on supporting small businesses to grow and improve their sustainability.

Run by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the fund is calling for any existing SMME business development projects based in the Western Cape, especially those that support rural, township-based, youth and women-owned businesses, to apply. 

The closing date for applications is June and all information and application details can be found on the Western Cape website: www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/smme-booster-fund

“In the previous iteration of the SMME Booster Fund, through the allocation of funding to 16 beneficiaries like the Innovator Trust and Edge Growth, amongst others, we were able to support over 350 businesses in the Western Cape to grow and improve their sustainability, creating much-needed jobs,” said David Maynier, Western Cape Minister of Finance & Economic Opportunities.

“Now, more than ever, we need to work together to ensure businesses are supported and are operating safely and responsibly so that we can save jobs and rebuild the economy in the Western Cape.”