Vumela Fund – Apply for Funding 3.0

About this opportunity

Vumela provides equity funding of R1–30 million to majority-Black-owned B2B suppliers in green sectors (clean energy, water, waste, sustainable agriculture). You must have a valid BEE certificate and be willing to reach 51% Black ownership.

Who can apply

• South African registered business with a valid BEE certificate or affidavit (QSE or EME status)
• Majority Black-owned (≥51%) or willing to become majority Black-owned by investment close
• B2B supplier model (you supply products or services to other companies)
• Operating in clean and renewable energy, energy efficiency, water sustainability, waste management, or sustainable agriculture
• Seeking between R1 million and R30 million in equity funding

Not eligible

• Businesses in primary agriculture, primary mining, property, alcohol, tobacco, or gambling
• Companies with less than 51% Black ownership unwilling to meet that threshold
• B2C or direct-to-consumer business models
• Funding requests below R1 million or above R30 million

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Full eligibility wording from the listing

South African BEE‑compliant business; ≥51 % Black ownership (or willingness to become 51 %); B2B supplier model; operates in approved green sectors; funding request between R1 m‑R30 m.

Documents you will need

• Valid BEE certificate or affidavit (stating QSE or EME status)
• Business plan
• Historical financial statements (last 12 months)
• Financial forecast
• Details of all founders and executive management (name, contact, role, qualifications, age, shareholding, race, gender)

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How to apply, step by step

1. Visit the Vumela online application portal and answer screening questions about your BEE status, sector, ownership structure, and funding amount.
2. Confirm you operate in an approved green sector, have a B2B model, and are seeking R1–30 million.
3. Complete the full application form with company details: founding date, trading date, province, turnover, net profit, management experience, and business stage.
4. Upload your BEE certificate or affidavit and three supporting documents: business plan, historical financial statements, and financial forecast (each file max 32 MB).
5. Provide details of each founder and executive manager, including shareholding percentages, qualifications, race, and gender.
6. Submit your application via the portal.

How applications are selected

What reviewers look for

• Have your valid BEE certificate or affidavit ready before you start; without it, the form will not allow you to proceed.
• Your Black ownership level must be 51% or higher at investment; if you're below that now, be clear in your application about who will acquire shares and when.
• Show realistic financials: Vumela will scrutinize your last 12 months' turnover and net profit, so don't project growth without supporting detail.
• Explain clearly how the capital will be used—whether for plant, working capital, or other purposes—and link it to revenue growth or cost reduction.
• Management experience matters: document the combined years of relevant experience your leadership team brings, especially in your green sector.

Frequently asked questions

Guide written from the official programme page on 1 November 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.

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