Fund Name

Strategic Partnership Programme (SPP)

Agency

the dtic

Type

Grants & Incentives

Sector

Manufacturing

Summary

The Strategic Partnership Programme (SPP) was initiated by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) to develop and support programmes aimed at enhancing the manufacturing and services supply capacity of SME suppliers linked to strategic partners’ supply chains, industries, or sectors.

The core objective of SPP is to encourage large private sector enterprises — in partnership with government — to support, nurture, and develop SMEs within their supply chains to become sustainable manufacturers of goods and suppliers of services. The programme directly supports Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) by strengthening the Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) element of the Codes of Good Practice.

SPP operates on a cost-sharing basis between the dtic and the strategic partner. For manufacturing projects, the split is 50:50; for projects supporting manufacturing supply chain-related services deemed strategic by the dtic, the split is 70:30 (dtic funds 70%, strategic partner funds 30%). The grant is capped at a maximum of R15 million (VAT inclusive) per financial year over a three-year period, subject to the number of qualifying suppliers and availability of funds.

Eligible strategic partners can be South African registered legal entities with a minimum annual turnover of R100 million for at least two consecutive years, or qualifying industry associations representing five or more registered manufacturing entities. At least 60% of SMEs supported by the strategic partner must be 51%+ black-owned by South African citizens.

All payments are made directly to the strategic partner’s established Special Purpose Corporate Vehicle (SPCV) or a set-up cost centre. Applications must be submitted online through the dtic website.

Who this is for?

SPP is designed for large private sector enterprises acting as strategic partners, not for individual SMEs. Eligible strategic partners include:

  • South African registered legal entities (Companies Act, Close Corporations Act, or Co-operatives Act) with a minimum annual turnover of R100 million for at least two consecutive years (evidenced by audited financial statements)
  • Industry associations representing five or more registered manufacturing entities, with a letter of commitment from manufacturers controlling or directly influencing the market/value chain to be developed

The strategic partner must have a corporate interest in supplier development and a market access plan or off-take agreements for the SMEs to be developed.

What support/funding you can get

SPP provides a cost-sharing grant structured as follows:

  • Manufacturing projects: 50:50 cost-sharing (dtic funds 50%, strategic partner funds 50%)
  • Manufacturing supply chain-related services (deemed strategic by the dtic): 70:30 cost-sharing (dtic funds 70%, strategic partner funds 30%)
  • Maximum grant: R15 million (VAT inclusive) per financial year over a three-year period
  • Grant approval for year one is based on projections at application stage; subsequent year approvals depend on review of actual performance against agreed milestones
  • All payments made directly to the strategic partner’s SPCV or cost centre

What you can use it for?

Qualifying costs eligible under SPP include:

  • Machinery, equipment, and tools
  • Infrastructure linked to the strategic partner’s supplier development initiative (owned or leased buildings, leasehold improvements)
  • Product or service development
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
  • Operational costs
  • Business development services

Key requirements and conditions

Strategic partner eligibility:

  • Must be a South African registered legal entity or qualifying industry association
  • Minimum annual turnover of R100 million for at least two consecutive years (confirmed by audited financial statements)
  • Must be a taxpayer in good standing — valid tax clearance certificate required
  • Must be B-BBEE compliant — valid B-BBEE compliance certificate required
  • At least 60% of total SMEs supported must be 51%+ black-owned by South African citizens
  • Must have a corporate interest in supplier development and provide a market access plan or off-take agreements for the SMEs to be developed

Programme conditions:

  • Applications must be submitted online through the dtic website — no hand-delivered applications accepted
  • Grant is based on first-year projections; subsequent years depend on performance review against agreed milestones
  • Payments made to the strategic partner’s SPCV or cost centre
  • Duration extension available (refer to SPP Notice)

How the application works

The SPP application process:

  1. Contact the dtic directly or its appointed business support agencies in the provinces for assistance with the application process
  2. Complete the SPP Application Form (download from the dtic website, following instructions for saving forms locally)
  3. Complete the SPP Application Financial Breakdown Template and Disbursement Template
  4. Complete SME Profiling documentation
  5. Submit the completed application form online through the dtic website — no hand-delivered applications accepted
  6. The dtic reviews applications against eligibility criteria and approves based on projected first-year performance
  7. Subsequent year approvals are dependent on performance reviews against agreed milestones

What to prepare before you start

Before applying, prepare the following:

  • Audited financial statements for the last two consecutive years confirming minimum R100 million annual turnover
  • Valid tax clearance certificate
  • Valid B-BBEE compliance certificate
  • Market access plan or off-take agreements for the SMEs to be developed
  • Completed SPP Application Form
  • SPP Application Financial Breakdown Template
  • SPP Application Disbursement Template
  • SME Profiling documentation
  • Letter(s) of commitment from manufacturers (for industry associations)
  • Details of the proposed supplier development initiative and qualifying costs

Am I a fit for this particular fund?

You are likely a fit if:

  • You are a large South African company with annual turnover of R100 million+ for at least two consecutive years
  • You have an active supply chain and want to develop and grow SME suppliers
  • You have a corporate interest in Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) under B-BBEE
  • At least 60% of the SMEs you plan to support are 51%+ black-owned by South African citizens
  • You are B-BBEE compliant and have a valid tax clearance certificate
  • You are an industry association representing five or more registered manufacturing entities

You are likely not a fit if:

  • You are an SME (the programme supports strategic partners who develop SMEs — not the SMEs themselves)
  • Your annual turnover is below R100 million
  • You do not have a concrete plan for developing SME suppliers within your supply chain
  • You cannot demonstrate B-BBEE compliance

Quick facts

Overview

  • Agency: dtic
  • Category: Grant (Cost-Sharing)
  • Scheme Name: Strategic Partnership Programme (SPP)
  • What this is: A cost-sharing grant enabling large enterprises and industry associations to partner with government to develop and grow SME suppliers within their supply chains.
  • Geographic Scope: National

Who this is for

  • Eligible Applicant Type: Large private sector enterprises (R100m+ annual turnover) and industry associations (5+ registered manufacturing members)
  • Sector Focus: Manufacturing; Services — supply chain development across manufacturing and related sectors
  • Ownership Requirements: Open to all eligible entities; at least 60% of supported SMEs must be 51%+ black-owned by South African citizens; B-BBEE compliance certificate required
  • Business Stage: Established (5+ years trading)

Type of support

  • Is financial support provided: Yes
  • Support form: Cost-sharing grant

Funding parameters

  • Funding basis: Cost-sharing (50:50 for manufacturing; 70:30 for strategic manufacturing services)
  • Funding percentage/amount: 50% (manufacturing) or 70% (strategic manufacturing supply chain services) of qualifying costs
  • Funding cap: R15 million (VAT inclusive) per financial year over a 3-year period
  • Cost-sharing required: Yes

What the support can be used for

Machinery, equipment and tools; infrastructure linked to supplier development; product/service development; ICT; operational costs; business development services

Information you will need to provide

Applicants must outline the objectives of the project in the application form, provide a financial breakdown of qualifying costs, an application disbursement template, and SME profiling documentation. The application must also include a market access plan or off-take agreements for the SMEs to be developed.

Key requirements and conditions

The SPP is specifically designed around collaboration between a large enterprise (the strategic partner) and SMEs within its supply chain. The strategic partner must demonstrate a corporate interest in supplier development and provide evidence of market access plans or off-take agreements for the SMEs. At least 60% of supported SMEs must be 51%+ black-owned by South African citizens.

How it works

  • Application route: Online only — applications must be submitted through the dtic website; no hand-delivered applications accepted
  • Assessment focus: Eligibility criteria compliance; B-BBEE compliance; transformation commitment (60% of SMEs black-owned); market access plan; projected performance in year one; review of actual performance in subsequent years
  • Turnaround time: Not specified; subsequent year approvals dependent on annual performance review

Application support

Applicants may contact the dtic directly or its appointed business support agencies in the provinces for assistance with the application process

Contact and routing

ZKobue@thedtic.gov.za; +27(12) 394 1067

Additional information

A Strategic Partnership Programme Duration Extension notice has been issued — refer to the SPP Notice document on the dtic website. Application forms must be downloaded and saved to local drive as per dtic instructions.

Contact and routing

General enquiries:

Assistance with downloading/updating SPP forms:

Application Considerations:

What You Need to Prepare Before Applying

Most applications are delayed or declined due to incomplete submissions. Preparing the items below upfront will significantly improve your chances.

Core documents (required for almost all funds)

  • Company registration documents
  • Ownership and shareholder information
  • Business plan or project description
  • Recent financial statements or management accounts
  • Project budget and cost breakdown

Project‑specific documents (depending on the fund)

  • Quotes for equipment, infrastructure, or services
  • Feasibility study or technical proposal (where required)
  • Energy solution proposal (for energy‑related funds)
  • Export contracts or buyer information (for export and insurance products)
  • Job creation plan (where applicable)
  • Turnaround or recovery plan (for distress funding)

Additional requirements

  • Proof of sector compliance or permits (where relevant)
  • Evidence of co‑funding or financing approvals (for grants and blended funding)
  • Any templates or declarations specified by the administering agency

What Happens After You Apply

  1. Completeness check – your submission is reviewed to ensure all required documents are included.
  2. Eligibility assessment – the agency confirms that you meet the fund’s basic criteria.
  3. Technical and financial review – your project and financials are evaluated.
  4. Decision and contracting – approved applications proceed to contracting and implementation.

Timelines vary by fund and depend heavily on the quality and completeness of your application.

Important Notes for Applicants

  • Approval is not guaranteed, even if all requirements are met.
  • Funding terms may be subject to final agency approval and conditions.
  • Submitting accurate and complete information is critical.
  • Misrepresentation or incomplete information can result in delays or rejection.

Interested in this fund or have some questions?

Northern Cape, Free State & Mpumalanga Provinces (NFM)

Email Address: NFMcustomercare@thedtic.gov.za

Mr. Mahlatse Mothapo: 012 394 3554 / 082 903 5845
Ms. Jane Mtshali: 012 394 1385

Email Address: NGLcustomercare@thedtic.gov.za

Mr. David Molefe: 012 394 1262
Ms. Selinah Swaratlhe: 012 394 1140

Email Address: WCcustomercare@thedtic.gov.za

Mr. Elias Rafapa: 021 480 8064 / 063 688 6466 
Mr. Vuyo Zitha: 021 480 8055 / 066 306 8424
Ms. Monica Masangwana: 021 480 8063 / 082 647 3611

Email Address: ECcustomercare@thedtic.gov.za

Mr. Andre Le Grange: 041 502 9000 / 060 753 0751
Mr. Simphiwe Ngonyama: 060 753 0663
Ms. Princess Konza: 072 295 4806

Email Address: KZNcustomercare@thedtic.gov.za

Mr. Wiseman Myeni: 076 129 9697 
Ms. Rajeshri Sardha: 072 295 1480
Ms. Neela Govender: 072 296 0369
Ms. Constance Gumede: 072 296 1837

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