TIKZN LAUNCHES R30M FINANCIAL RELIEF FUND FOR KZN BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY THE CIVIL UNREST

2021-10-05 12:47:00

As businesses across the country continue to battle against the constraints imposed by the July 2021 civil unrest, relief is on the way for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) following the establishment of Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal’s (TIKZN) Business Support Fund valued at R30 million, in partnership with  KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).

TIKZN ’s response to the challenges brought about by the unrest in July, has been premised on collaboration across Government. The unrest in July 2021 affected growth, employment, transformation and investor confidence in the domestic economy. To mitigate the damage caused, TIKZN in collaboration with its strategic partners launched a special fund to support the affected SMMEs in urban, rural and in the township areas, to restore what has been lost, preserve jobs and continue with efforts to re-industrialise the economy.
This grant ranges from  R50 000  up to a max of R 1 000 000,00 per business subject to the TIKZN Business Support Fund Application approval process. This support is intended to accelerate social, economic, and spatial transformation in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal.

Applications open on Wednesday, 06 October 2021 to Small Enterprises, Micro- Enterprises, and Medium Enterprises which are operating in KwaZulu-Natal. The closing date for submission of applications is 25 October 2021.

Neville Matjie, Chief Executive Officer of Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal said “We continue to work with all South Africans to rebuild an economy that is more resilient and sustainable. We call on the private sector and other stakeholders to partner with us in forging expeditious solutions to save our all-important SMMEs in affected areas. We urge the affected and qualifying businesses to apply for the business recovery support programmes offered in addition to this fund which we’re able to bring in partnership with the IDC. Our One Stop Shop facility will be the point of contact for these applications” concluded Matjie.

Information on the TIKZN Business Support Fund Application Forms and Guidelines can be downloaded from TIKZN website www.tikzn.co.za/business support desk . Applicants can submit their applications together with all supporting documentation to the following email address: business.support@tikzn.co.za .

Physical documents are also obtainable and can also be returned to:

1. The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) District Offices available in all District Municipalities and
2. Trade & Investment KZN Offices located at Kingsmead Office Park, Kingsmead Boulevard 1 Arundel Close, Stalwart Simelane St, Durban, 4001.

The closing date for submission of completed applications with all supporting documents is 25 October 2021 and no late applications will be accepted post the closing date.

Enquiries can be directed to Mr Ndumiso Mlambo – General Manager: KZN One Stop Shop email address:- business.support@tikzn.co.za or telephone number: 031-368 9600

ENDS


Contact Person: Ms Angel (Mkhethie) Sibisi
Cell: 076 062 3779 / 0764686139
Email: angel@tikzn.co.za