Department of Small Business Development: Apply for the Co-Operatives Development Support Programme

hustlersnetworking
Jun 5
2 min read

About the Opportunity:

The CDSP is an initiative by the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) aimed at empowering registered South African co-operatives through financial and non-financial support. The programme addresses key challenges such as limited market participation, poor access to finance, lack of infrastructure, and inadequate managerial capacity within co-operatives. It is open to both Primary and Cluster Co-operatives, with a strong emphasis on rural, township, and peri-urban areas, particularly those led by women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Benefits of the opportunity:

Successful applicants may receive:

Blended financing (grant + loan), up to R2.5 million for qualifying activities
Grant funding for:
- Machinery, tools, and equipment
- Commercial vehicles
- Infrastructure development (with municipal partnership)
- Business Development Support (BDS)
- ICT tools, marketing, packaging, etc.
Feasibility study support for technical, research, and registration costs
Non-financial support including mentorship, training, and business support
Post-investment monitoring and support

✅ Eligibility Criteria:

For Primary Co-operatives:

Registered in terms of Co-operatives Act No. 14 of 2005
Majority black-owned and managed
Operate in any economic sector
Prioritize women, youth, and persons with disabilities
Members must have or be willing to undergo training in co-operative governance and business management

For Cluster Co-operatives:

Must be a registered secondary co-operative
Serve as an intermediary for registered primary co-operatives
Must be compliant with the Central Supplier Database (CSD)
Intermediaries may include NPOs, NGOs, private/public entities
Must have a valid SARS tax clearance and be in good standing
All beneficiaries must be South African citizens from previously disadvantaged backgrounds