Government Incentive Programmes
At Hilder Consulting, we assist South African businesses in unlocking access to a wide range of government funding opportunities designed to promote investment, competitiveness, and job creation.
Below is a summary of key incentive programmes administered by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic).
Agro-Processing Support Scheme (APSS)
The APSS encourages investment in South Africa’s agricultural and agro-processing sectors, helping businesses add value and expand capacity.
Eligible costs include
New machinery and vehicles
Factory improvements and expansions
Competitiveness and skills development initiatives
Apply before the project starts, during an open application window, through the dtic's online portal (OIS).
How the APSS grant works
The Agro-Processing Support Scheme (APSS) is a cost-sharing grant for South African agro-processors and beneficiation businesses investing in new capacity, modern equipment and competitiveness, while keeping or growing jobs.
Who qualifies
A South African company, close corporation or co-operative, tax compliant
B-BBEE Level 1 to 4
A business in food and beverages, furniture, fibre processing, animal feed, fertiliser or essential oils (other sub-sectors may be considered on merit)
At least 50% of inputs sourced from South African suppliers, including at least 30% from Black-owned suppliers or state-owned enterprises
The project must keep or create jobs
How much funding is available
A grant of 20% to 30% of qualifying costs, up to R20 million over two years
An additional 10% where the project meets all four economic-benefit criteria: employment up at least 25%, Level 1 B-BBEE, located in a state-owned industrial park or high-unemployment area, and at least 70% locally made inputs or machinery
Separate caps of R2 million each for buildings, commercial vehicles and competitiveness improvements
What the grant covers
New machinery, equipment, tools and forklifts, including energy- and water-saving equipment
Production-linked commercial vehicles
Factory buildings and improvements
Competitiveness improvements such as quality certification, production software, logistics and waste reduction
Land, wages, passenger vehicles, VAT and rates are not covered. Wine makers must be at least 70% Black-owned and managed, and soft-drink makers must have a turnover below R5 million.
Key rules to know before you start
Since 1 June 2026, applications are accepted only through the dtic's online portal (OIS), during a designated application window.
Apply before you buy or start using the assets. Equipment already in use does not qualify.
The project must start within 90 days of approval, and the first claim is due within six months.
Employment may not fall below your average for the 12 months before you applied.
How we handle your application
Eligibility check: we confirm your sub-sector, sourcing and B-BBEE level qualify, and check whether you can earn the extra 10%.
Application: we prepare the business plan and the dtic's three-year financial template and submit them on the OIS portal.
Approval: we handle the dtic's queries until your approval letter is issued.
Claims: we compile each milestone claim with the auditor's report, asset list and employment records.
Frequently asked questions
Which businesses qualify?
South African agro-processors in food and beverages, furniture, fibre, animal feed, fertiliser or essential oils, with B-BBEE Level 1 to 4.
How much can I get?
20% to 30% of qualifying costs, up to R20 million over two years, plus an extra 10% if the project meets all four economic-benefit criteria.
Can I apply at any time?
Only during a designated application window, and since 1 June 2026 only through the dtic's OIS portal.
Do I need to source locally?
Yes. At least 50% of your inputs must come from South African suppliers, including at least 30% from Black-owned suppliers or state-owned enterprises.
Is the grant paid upfront?
No. It is reimbursed against approved milestones once your costs are verified.
Based on the dtic APSS guidelines (September 2022) and the dtic notice of 1 June 2026. Approval is at the dtic's discretion and subject to available funds.