Strategic Partnership Programme (SPP)
The strategic partner must be a qualifying South African legal entity or industry association and meet the programme’s tax, B-BBEE, SME ownership and supplier-development criteria.
Check dates with the provider
Grant
Check the current application cycle
Use the official portal for dates and requirements.
About
SPP supports partnerships between government and large private sector enterprises to develop SMEs linked to a partner’s supply chain or sector. It provides cost-shared support for infrastructure and business development services to help enterprises grow as manufacturers of goods and suppliers of services.
What it covers
- Machinery, equipment and tools
- Infrastructure linked to the strategic partner’s supplier development initiative, including owned or leased buildings and leased improvements
- Product or service development
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Operational costs
- Business development services
Who can apply
A strategic partner must be a South African registered legal entity under one of the listed Companies, Close Corporation or Co-operatives Acts, or a qualifying industry association.
A legal entity must have minimum annual turnover of R100 million for at least two consecutive years, confirmed by the latest available audited financial statements.
An industry association must have five or more registered legal entities and provide commitment letters from manufacturers with direct market or value-chain influence.
The strategic partner must be a taxpayer in good standing.
The strategic partner must comply with B-BBEE requirements.
At least 60% of supported SMEs should be at least 51% owned by black South African citizens.
The strategic partner must have a corporate interest in supplier development and provide a market access plan or off-take agreement(s).
Documents to prepare
Latest available audited financial statements confirming turnover, for a legal entity.
Valid tax clearance certificate.
Valid B-BBEE Compliance certificate.
Manufacturer commitment letter(s), for an industry association.
Market access plan or off-take agreement(s).
Completed application form outlining the project objectives.
How to apply
- 1Contact the dtic or its appointed provincial business support agencies for application assistance.
- 2Complete the application form and outline the project objectives.
- 3Submit the application online through the dtic website; hand-delivered applications are not accepted.
Sources
Official sourceDepartment of Trade, Industry and CompetitionChecked against www.thedtic.gov.za on 24 Oct 2026. Govnet is independent — always confirm with the provider.