Free State Economic Development Dept funding applications opened
More than 2 000 applications were received during the 2025/26 programme.
The Free State Department of Economic Development and Tourism has launched applications for its 2026/27 business funding incentive scheme. The program aims to support qualifying spaza shops, small and medium enterprises, and cooperatives throughout the province. MEC Ketso Makume stated that the department has made adjustments to its requirements following issues encountered during the previous funding cycle. The 2025/26 program received over 2 000 applications.
Makume emphasized that the changes are meant to increase accessibility while ensuring that businesses adhere to the necessary compliance standards. For the Spaza Shop Support Incentive, applicants must submit their identity documents, a productive investment plan with a breakdown of required goods or services and relevant quotations, and either a municipal business permit or proof of application.
The department now accepts those who have applied for a municipal permit, as opposed to the previous policy that did not accept such applications.
Written by urgent.news from SABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
