Our Regions
Unlocking Opportunities, Potential and Sustainability of Small & Medium Enterprises
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) actively promotes investment across all provinces in South Africa. With a keen interest in developing and growing regional economies, the corporation has offices in all nine provinces to ensure that entrepreneurs are opportunely serviced in the provinces they reside in.
The corporation’s Small Business Finance and Regions (SBF) strategic business unit, which houses all regional offices throughout the country, was recently established to streamline offerings, and better serve the IDC’s diverse clients.
SBF has a focus on stimulating local and regional economic activity through targeted funding and investments towards SME’s.
By supporting the development of an active SME environment, SBF contributes to job creation, promotion of youth & women entrepreneurs and operators, and strengthening of SME capacities to improve their competitiveness in domestic, regional and global markets.
SBF specifically caters for businesses looking to access funding from R1 million to R20 million in the mandated sectors that the IDC funds.
With a presence in all regions and with a wealth of expertise, SBF can structure customised funding solutions for a wide range of enterprises, from new/greenfield ventures to expansion considerations for existing businesses.
Objective
The development of the SME sector with linkages to priority sectors through the provision of appropriate funding products better suited to SME needs.
Who We Fund?
Our objective is to support entrepreneurs who seek to invest in industrial capacity development and job creation within the SME sector. We do this by considering funding applications from:
Entrepreneurs starting new enterprises and companies that want to expand their existing operations. This is achieved through the following funding offerings:
- Capex finance
- Working capital facilities
- Trade finance solutions, and
- Contract finance solutions
Funding for business acquisitions is not included in SBF transactions. This is provided for in the IDC’s broader offering.
How We Fund
We provide long-term debt, short-term working capital, guarantees and/or equity-type finance instruments, on commercial terms and on risk-adjusted interest rates with commensurate security.
- We provide funding from a minimum of R1 million to a maximum of R20 million. Larger funding applications are referred to our specific IDC Strategic Business Units.
- SBF can consider applicants in line with its mandated sectors from the core IDC industry Strategic Business Units.
- Shareholders are expected to make a financial contribution, determined on a case-by-case basis.
- The projects and/or businesses must exhibit economic merit in terms of profitability and sustainability (including the ability to repay any debt obligations) and meet IDC funding parameters.
Note: The IDC’s preference is not to refinance fixed assets or existing debt, our sole aim is to expand the industrial capacity base.
How To Apply For Funding
Applications for funding should be in writing and should include a letter of application for funding and a comprehensive business plan.
Applicants should submit a formal application in the form of a detailed business plan* to enable the IDC to fully assess the business proposal and to ensure the evaluation process is accelerated.
*See the Business Plan Guidelines document for a comprehensive list of requirements
Our significant
Presence across South Africa allows us to promote localisation
Ms Tanya Cohen
Independent Non-Executive Director
Qualification: BA, LLB and Master of Laws from University of the Witwatersrand and Admitted Attorney
Nationality: South African
Skills and Expertise: Labour Market Policy & Employment Equity, Public-Private Partnerships & Strategic Advisory, Governance & Board Leadership, Socio-Economic Development & Transformation, Legal Expertise in Labour and Human Rights Law, Stakeholder Engagement & Social Compact Formation, Policy Development & Implementation and International Labour Organisation Collaboration.
Ms Tanya Cohen is a highly experienced public-private impact advisor and independent non-executive director with a strong commitment to solving complex socio-economic challenges that drive sustainable development. She operates at the intersection of business and government, enabling transformative outcomes that promote economic growth, employment, and inclusive policy reform. Her leadership is marked by clarity, enthusiasm, and the ability to mobilise execution across diverse stakeholder groups, including government, business, and labour. Ms Cohen has represented business interests at local, continental, and global levels, including at the International Labour Organisation. Her board experience spans tripartite government boards, commissions, and non-profit organisations, where she contributes to social, transformation, human resource, and governance subcommittees. As a Commissioner of the National Planning Commission, she continues to champion developmental impact and positive social change in South Africa. As an independent non-executive director, she brings deep expertise in stakeholder engagement, legal compliance, and strategic advisory, with a strong focus on transformation and sustainable development.
Dr Tebogo Makube
Independent Non-Executive Director
Qualification: PhD in Energy Studies, Postgraduate qualifications in Law, Economic Policy, and Energy Economics, Admitted Advocate of the High Court
Nationality: South African
Skills and Expertise: Industrial Procurement & Development, Policy Formulation & Economic Development, Energy Economics & Infrastructure, Governance & Leadership.
Dr. Tebogo Makube is a seasoned policy and industrial development expert currently serving as a Board Member of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Chief Director for Industrial Procurement and Development at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic). He has extensive experience in fiscal policy, infrastructure planning, and energy economics, having held senior roles at the Financial and Fiscal Commission, National Treasury, and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). Dr. Makube also serves on the boards of Proudly South African and Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS), where he is Chairperson. He holds a PhD in Energy Studies and postgraduate qualifications in Law, Economic Policy, and Energy Economics, and is an admitted Advocate of the High Court of South Africa. His expertise spans industrial procurement, regulatory frameworks, and economic policy development.
Dr Keitumetse Tebogo Mothibeli
Independent Non-Executive Director
Qualification: BSc; BSc (Hons); MSc (Medical Bioscience) UWC, PhD (PhD (Human Physiology – Cancer Research) UP
Nationality: South African
Skills and Expertise: Medical Biosciences, Scientific Research & Field Applications, Business Leadership & Strategy, Investment Management, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Green Technology & Sustainability, Mentorship & Youth Development and Transformational Leadership.
Dr Keitumetse Tebogo Mothibeli is a dynamic scientist, entrepreneur, and investment strategist with a strong academic foundation in medical bioscience and a PhD focused on maternal health and cellular development. Her career spans roles in scientific research, field applications, and corporate leadership, including positions at Whitehead Scientific and Adcock Ingram. She has trained internationally in advanced imaging and karyotyping technologies and served as R&D Director for innovative companies like Zucchi Innovations and Mofaya. As the founder of Maidi Holdings, she broke ground as the first black female to acquire diving and hull cleaning licenses in key South African ports. Currently, she is the CEO of Crystal Partners, a 100% black female-owned investment firm driving strategic partnerships across Africa in sectors such as agriculture, energy, health, and mining. Dr. Mothibeli is known for her principled leadership, commitment to mentorship, and passion for sustainable development and social impact.
Ms Ayanda Dlodlo
Independent Non-Executive Director
Qualification: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, Higher Certificate in Shipping and Transport Management and additional postgraduate training in Management Development and Executive Development Programmes
Nationality: South African
Skills and Expertise: Public Sector Leadership, Governance & Policy Development, Security & Intelligence Operations, International Diplomacy & Development, Public-Private Partnerships & Infrastructure, Strategic Operations & Institutional Reform and Transport & Logistics Management.
Ms Ayanda Dlodlo is a seasoned South African public servant and executive with extensive experience in governance, security, and international development. She has held several ministerial positions in the South African government, including Minister of Public Service and Administration, Minister of State Security, Minister of Communications, and Minister of Home Affairs. Her leadership extended to the African National Congress (ANC), where she served on the National Executive Committee. In 2022, she transitioned to the global stage as an Executive Director at the World Bank Group, representing Angola, Nigeria, and South Africa. Academically, she holds an MBA, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, and a Higher Certificate in Shipping and Transport Management. Her career reflects deep expertise in public sector reform, policy development, intelligence operations, and international diplomacy.
Mr Reon Barnard
Independent Non-Executive Director
Qualification: B. Com in Finance – Stellenbosch University and Executive MBA
Nationality: South African
Skills and Expertise: Strategic Leadership & Business Development, Mining Operations & Commodities Trading, Investment Strategy & Private Equity, Corporate Governance & Board Leadership, International Business & Cross-Border Negotiation, Ethics & Organisational Integrity, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Logistics & Industrial Services.
Mr Reon Barnard is a South African business executive and independent non-executive director with a strong background in finance, mining, and strategic leadership. He holds a B. Com in Finance from Stellenbosch University and an Executive MBA from the Tsinghua-INSEAD program, complemented by advanced certifications in ethics, negotiation, and board governance from institutions such as INSEAD, GIBS, and the Institute of Directors South Africa. With over two decades of experience, Mr Barnard has led and advised companies across mining, commodities trading, logistics, and industrial services. His expertise spans corporate governance, private equity, international business strategy, and ethical leadership, making him a valuable contributor to boardrooms and executive teams across sectors.
Ms Gloria Tomatoe Serobe
Chairperson | Independent Non-Executive Director
Qualification: Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) from University of Transkei, Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Honorary Doctorates.
Nationality: South African
Skills and Expertise: Broad-Based Economic Empowerment, Corporate Governance & Board Leadership, Strategic Investment & Financial Services, Social Entrepreneurship & Inclusive Economic Models, Public Sector Advisory & Policy Development, Transformation & Women Empowerment, Risk Management & Ethics Oversight and Leadership in Crisis Response (e.g., Solidarity Fund).
Ms Gloria Tomatoe Serobe is a pioneering South African business leader and independent non-executive director, widely recognized for her contributions to economic empowerment and corporate governance. She holds a BCom from the University of Transkei and an MBA from Rutgers University in the United States, along with honorary doctorate from leading South African university. Ms Serobe is the founding CEO of WIPHOLD (Women Investment Portfolio Holdings), a trailblazing investment firm focused on empowering women through ownership and participation in the economy. She has served on the boards of major corporations including Sasol, Old Mutual, and the Solidarity Fund, where she played a key role in crisis response during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her expertise spans strategic investment, transformation, ethics, and inclusive development, making her a respected voice in both the private and public sectors.