As of 01 October 2024, the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency, Sedfa commenced its operations. This new entity was formed when the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa), the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda), and the Cooperative Banks Development Agency (CBDA) officially merged to create (Sedfa) under the National Small Enterprise Amendment Act of 2024 (NSEA).

This significant development creates a unified institution dedicated to supporting the growth and development of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across South Africa.

This step is in response to the National Small Enterprise Amendment Bill signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 23 July 2024. Sedfa is incorporated as a State-Owned Company under "Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency SOC Limited," with the State as the sole shareholder. The agency operates through its Board and adheres to the Public Finance Management Act and the Companies Act.

The objectives of Sedfa are to:

• Design and implement development support programmes for small enterprises.
• Promote a service delivery network that increases the contribution of small enterprises to the South African economy, and enhances economic growth, job creation, and equity for historically disadvantaged communities.
• Support, promote, and develop co-operative banks and co-operative financial institutions.
• Generally, strengthen the capacity of:
  • service providers to support small enterprises; and
  • small enterprises to compete successfully domestically and internationally.

What We Offer

We provide comprehensive support to build and sustain competitive small enterprises. Our services focus on promoting entrepreneurship, creating an enabling environment, and ensuring equitable access to resources.

Sedfa is committed to fostering the development of (MSMEs) with through a well-rounded approach that integrates both financial and non-financial support. Our aim is to address the unique challenges businesses face, providing tools and resources that ensure sustainable growth and success.

Whether through business assessments, technology upgrades, or financial solutions, Sedfa offers customized services that guide businesses at every stage of their journey.

Non-Financial Support

• Business needs assessment
• Product bundling and system navigation
• Business development services (BDS)
• Technology and system upgrading
• Infrastructure facilitation
• Supply chain integration and market linkages
• Business formalization and compliance
• Case management / Life cycle monitoring

Financial Support

• Business needs assessment
• Credit Guarantees and Credit Enhancement
• Retail Finance
• Wholesale Finance
• Equity Investment (MSMEs and Other)
• Fund Management (Public and Private Clients)
• Investment Property Management