Visa She's Next Grant Programme — Kayzi
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Visa She's Next Grant Programme

Annual grant for women-owned South African businesses. Cash grant plus mentorship, networking, and Visa tools access.

FundingUSD equivalent grant (approx. R180,000–R360,000 per recipient)
TypeNon-repayable grant + mentorship package
FunderVisa Inc.
DeadlineAnnual cycle — applications typically open Q1/Q2 each year
Overview

Visa She's Next is a global programme localised for South Africa. It awards cash grants to women-owned businesses that are already operating and ready to grow. The application is highly competitive and very visible — businesses that apply must be prepared for public scrutiny as finalists.

This is not a survival grant. Visa is looking for growth stories: revenue already exists, the founder can articulate a clear growth priority (not rescue), and there is basic financial visibility. The mentorship and network access that comes with the award can be as valuable as the cash.

Kayzi Advisory NoteHigh-trust, high-visibility programme. Limit applications to quality candidates. A poor application from a weak candidate damages brand credibility. Use as a benchmark for 'growth-ready' women-led SMEs.
Key Focus Areas

Founder Readiness · Financial Visibility · Use of Funds Logic

Who qualifies
  • Majority women-owned business (51%+)
  • Business is already generating revenue (no pre-revenue applications)
  • Founder can clearly articulate growth plans — not survival or rescue
  • Basic financial visibility: some records exist
  • Business can withstand public scrutiny as a finalist
  • South African registered business
Who does not qualify
  • Pre-revenue or idea-stage businesses
  • Applications framed as survival or rescue funding
  • No growth priorities — unclear what the business will do with the grant
  • No financial visibility whatsoever
  • Expectation of guaranteed selection
  • Business not majority women-owned
Common rejection reasonPre-revenue applicants; survival-framed applications; no clear growth thesis; business unable to handle public finalist exposure.
Key requirements

Women ownership proof, evidence of existing revenue, a clear and compelling growth story, basic financial records (even informal), and a strong application narrative that is ready for public visibility.

How to apply

Applications open annually, typically in Q1 or Q2. Monitor the Visa She's Next website and Visa South Africa social channels for the announcement of each cycle.

Apply at visashenext.com when the South Africa application window opens.

Apply now →

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