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).
Black Industrialist Scheme (BIS)
The BIS aims to accelerate the participation of black-owned and managed manufacturing enterprises in South Africa’s industrial economy.
It provides investment-based cash incentives to support both new and expanding projects that strengthen black industrial ownership and production capacity.
Qualifying costs include
Capital investment: new machinery, equipment, and building improvements
Commercial vehicles used for production or distribution
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Investment support: feasibility studies, post-investment support, and business development services
Apply before the project starts. Since 1 June 2026, applications go only through the dtic's online portal (OIS).
How the BIS grant works
The Black Industrialists Scheme (BIS) is a cost-sharing grant that helps Black-owned and managed manufacturers build, expand or upgrade their operations in strategic sectors. It is often combined with funding from the IDC or NEF.
Who qualifies
A South African company, close corporation or co-operative
More than 51% Black ownership and management control, with the owners involved day to day
B-BBEE Level 1 to 4 and tax compliant
A manufacturing project in a priority sector, such as agro-processing, automotive and rail components, clothing and textiles, chemicals and plastics, mineral beneficiation, clean energy, ICT or furniture
A minimum total project value of R30 million
The project must meet at least four of seven economic-benefit criteria, such as localisation, green technology, exports and regional spread
How much funding is available
A grant of 30% to 50% of qualifying costs, capped at R50 million
The rate rises with the level of Black ownership and the number of economic-benefit criteria met
Separate caps for buildings (R5 million), commercial vehicles (R3 million), business development services (R2 million) and post-investment support (R500,000)
What the grant covers
New machinery, equipment, tools and forklifts
Factory buildings on industrial, agricultural or commercial land
Commercial vehicles used for production or distribution
Feasibility studies by accredited providers
Business development services such as product development, certification, quality systems and IT
Post-investment training and mentoring
Land, passenger vehicles, second-hand machinery, VAT and wages are not covered. The scheme does not pay for buying an existing business, only for expanding it afterwards.
Key rules to know before you start
Since 1 June 2026, applications are accepted only through the dtic's online portal (OIS). Emailed applications are no longer accepted.
Apply before the project starts.
Financial close must be reached within 90 days of approval, or the approval is cancelled.
The first claim is due within six months of approval.
How we handle your application
Eligibility check: we confirm your ownership structure, sector and project value qualify, and estimate your grant rate.
Application: we prepare the business plan and financial projections and submit them on the OIS portal.
Approval: we manage the dtic's queries and coordinate with your co-funders up to financial close.
Claims: we prepare each milestone claim with the auditor's report, asset register and supporting documents.
Frequently asked questions
Does my business need to be 100% Black-owned?
No. More than 51% Black ownership and management control is required. Higher Black ownership earns a higher grant rate.
What is the smallest project that qualifies?
The total project value must be at least R30 million.
How much can I get?
Between 30% and 50% of qualifying costs, up to R50 million.
Can I still email my application?
No. Since 1 June 2026, BIS applications go only through the dtic's OIS portal. Claims are still submitted by email.
Can I start the project before approval?
You must apply before starting. If the dtic has not responded within 60 days of a complete application, you may proceed at your own risk.
Based on the dtic BIS guidelines (2024) and the dtic notice of 1 June 2026. Approval is at the dtic's discretion and subject to available funds.