Isivande Women's Fund — Kayzi
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Isivande Women's Fund

Affordable development finance for majority women-owned businesses. Managed by IDF Managers on behalf of the dtic.

FundingR30,000 – R2,000,000
TypeLoan (below-market rate) + business support
FunderDepartment of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) — managed by IDF Managers
DeadlineRolling (applications open year-round)
Overview

Isivande was created to give women-owned businesses access to more affordable finance than what commercial banks typically offer. It's managed by IDF Managers (an independent development fund manager) and focuses on businesses where women have both ownership AND operational management — not just shares on paper.

The programme originally targeted only women-owned businesses but has since expanded to all black-owned persons. The minimum trading period is 6 months — businesses operating less than this do not qualify.

Kayzi Advisory NoteStrong fit for majority women-owned businesses that are not yet bankable but have 6+ months of trading history. Use as a bridge between government grants and commercial credit.
Key Focus Areas

Founder Readiness · Business Substance · Financial Visibility

Who qualifies
  • 51%+ women ownership AND management (not just symbolic ownership)
  • Business has been operating for at least 6 months
  • Business owner is actively involved in day-to-day management
  • Commercially viable with growth potential
  • Willing to accept business development support alongside finance
  • Registered business (CIPC, SARS)
Who does not qualify
  • Business operating less than 6 months
  • Women hold ownership but are not involved in management
  • Passive investment only — women as shareholders without operational role
  • No commercial viability or growth potential
  • Unwilling to accept mentorship or business development support
  • Businesses primarily seeking debt consolidation
Common rejection reasonLess than 6 months operation; women ownership exists but no management involvement; not commercially viable.
Key requirements

Proof of women ownership (ID documents, share certificates), proof of 6+ months trading (bank statements), CIPC registration, SARS compliance, a business plan, and financial statements or management accounts.

How to apply

Apply through IDF Managers, who administer the fund on behalf of the dtic. Contact IDF Managers directly or apply via the SEDFA network.

Visit idfmanagers.co.za for application information and contact details.

Apply now →

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