Women in business
Imbali for Her
Imbali for Her is a flagship national programme designed to promote inclusive economic participation among women by providing integrated financial and non-financial support.
Opens the Old SMME Portal sign-in page.
Overview
Built from women's voices
Built from the voices of women across South Africa, it responds directly to the challenges women face in starting and growing sustainable businesses. The design of Imbali for Her was directly informed by grassroots consultations with more than 4,500 women entrepreneurs across all nine provinces.
The programme was profiled at an event on 15 May 2026 at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre, Kimberley.
The numbers
Funding and investment
- Approximately R897 million total - R645 million for financial support (loans and grants), R210 million for non-financial support interventions, and R42 million for programme administration
- Up to R5 million per applicant, depending on enterprise stage and viability assessment
- Interest at Prime minus 3% per annum, or Prime minus 5% per annum for women with disabilities
What we offer
What we offer
- Access to funding - blended finance (loans and grants)
- Business training and skills development
- Mentorship and networking opportunities
- Safe, supportive spaces for women in business
Target audience
Who it is for
- Women entrepreneurs at all stages of enterprise development
- Women entrepreneurs operating across all economic sectors
- Women entrepreneurs in urban, peri-urban, township, and rural areas
- Women entrepreneurs with disabilities
Requirements
Key requirements
- Minimum 51% black female-owned
- South African citizen
- Registered, tax-compliant business
How to apply
How to apply
Applications for Imbali for Her are submitted through the OneSEDFA portal.