Business

Small Town, Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Support Programme (STTREP)

Applicants must be South African-owned, commercially viable businesses based in an Eastern Cape township, rural area, small town or other marginalised location.

Check dates with the provider Incentive Eastern Cape
Check the current application cycle Use the official portal for dates and requirements.

About

STTREP provides integrated financial and non-financial support to formal and informal MSMEs in townships, rural areas, small towns and other marginalised areas of the Eastern Cape. Financial incentives can support infrastructure or equipment and working capital; beneficiaries may also receive business development services based on their needs and available budgets.

What it covers

Financial incentives are capped at R150 000; non-financial business support may be made available up to R30 000 per beneficiary.

  • Infrastructure upgrades
  • Essential operating equipment
  • Working capital
  • Business planning
  • Market support, including linkages, branding, exhibitions and marketing
  • Business mentorship, coaching and consulting
  • Management support and sector-specific technical skills training
  • Capacity building, networking and business management systems

Who can apply

Based in the Eastern Cape in a township, rural area, small town or other marginalised location
Commercially viable with a clear market need
Applicant or owner must be South African and full time in the business; owners running more than one business may still be considered
Preferably in existence for 12 months
Existing annual turnover must not exceed R3 000 000
Willing to undergo training and coaching identified through business diagnosis
Willing to allow ECDC to profile the business in its publications
Have a trading permit where applicable
Be in good standing with ECDC at application
After receiving an incentive, wait three years before reapplying

How to apply

  1. 1Apply through the ECDC FinFind application login.

Sources

Official sourceEastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC)Visit the official website for the latest information.
Apply on the official site

Checked against www.ecdc.co.za on 24 Oct 2026. Govnet is independent — always confirm with the provider.