Seda Technology Programme

The Seda Technology Programme (Stp) is a brainchild of the Department of Trade and Industry aimed at supporting SMMEs in specific industries, such as in ICT, aluminium, platinum and bio-diesel. The programme is responsible for both the provision of both financial and non-financial technology transfer, business incubation and quality support services for small enterprises.

The Seda Technology Programme is mandated to implement government’s small business strategy; design and implement a standard and common national delivery network for small enterprise development; and integrate government-funded small enterprise support agencies across all tiers of government.

Seda’s mission is to develop, support and promote small enterprises throughout the country, ensuring their growth and sustainability in co–ordination and partnership with various role players, including global partners, who make international best practices available to local entrepreneurs.

The Seda Technology Programme (STP)

The Seda Technology Programme forms part of a broader strategy to consolidate and strengthen small business support activities across South Africa.

One key focus of the programme involves transferring technology to businesses that lack access to tools needed for growth.

The programme targets businesses within the “second economy,” which includes informal, marginalised, and semi-skilled individuals excluded from the formal sector.

These businesses often operate as small enterprises, whether registered or unregistered, and face barriers to funding, markets, and technology access.

In addition, these enterprises typically lack sufficient business skills and technical expertise, which limits their ability to scale and compete effectively.

The STP incubation programme incorporates global best practices for SMME development, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and long-term business growth.

Furthermore, STP incubators provide traditional business support services while also facilitating valuable market linkages between SMMEs, suppliers, and customers.

Therefore, the programme aims to develop innovative, technology-based platforms that create sustainable and globally competitive SMMEs contributing to economic growth.

Objectives of the Seda Technology Programme

Enhance technological innovation
Increase accessibility to, and utility of, technologies and technical support for small enterprises
Facilitate the acquisition, development and transfer of technology to small enterprises, particularly those operating in the second economy
Improve small enterprise performance and productivity
Improve small enterprise profitability and growth
Improve small enterprises competitiveness Reduce small enterprise failure rates

Benefits of the Seda Technology Programme

Beneficiaries can expect 50% of the grant for the cost of approved tools, machinery and equipment to a maximum of R800,000; and 80% of the grant for approved training and business development services to a maximum of R200 000.

Qualifying Entities for the Seda Technology Programme

The programme incentivises businesses based on their ability to transfer technology skills and develop sustainable enterprises. Furthermore, companies receive support according to their commitment to long-term operational growth.

In addition, eligible funding categories include projects that demonstrate design improvement, operational optimisation, transferable skills development, and cost-reduction strategies.

Moreover, the government provides financial assistance of up to R600 000 per project through a non-repayable grant.

Additionally, the programme prioritises technology support for women-owned enterprises. Specifically, businesses qualify when women hold more than fifty percent ownership.

However, the programme does not fund certain activities. These include research and technology development, franchise agreements, patenting, licensing, marketing activities, and similar initiatives.

At DTC we understand the complexities of the various funding agencies and the unique application criteria for each. We have assisted thousands of entrepreneurs through the application process to access funding for businesses, and we can assist you with the same.