Funding Readiness Checklist

What South African funders, DFIs and banks want to see before they assess your application. Tick every item before you submit.

Why this matters — by the numbers

78%

of funding applications are rejected due to incomplete documentation

R1M+

average SME funding available through SEFA, IDC & commercial banks

60 days

typical preparation time to get from idea to a submission-ready application

Business Registration

Must-have

CIPC Certificate of Incorporation requiredCertified copy — CoR14.3 or equivalent
Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI)Or founding documents for cooperatives / NPOs
Tax Clearance Status (TCS) pin requiredValid, not expired — obtain via SARS eFiling
BBBEE Certificate or sworn affidavitEME affidavit (turnover < R10M) is sufficient for most funders
CSD registration confirmationRequired for government-linked DFI funding (SEFA, NEF, IDC)
Letter of Good Standing (COID)From Compensation Fund — required if employing staff

Financial Documents

Critical

6 months business bank statements requiredMust be the most recent — no gaps
Latest financial statements requiredIncome statement + balance sheet. Compiled or reviewed by accountant
12-month cash flow projectionRealistic, showing how the loan will be repaid
Use of funds breakdownExact amounts — equipment R50k, working capital R100k, etc.
Proof of own contributionMany funders require 10–20% own contribution or collateral

Business Information

Must-have

Business plan requiredExecutive summary at minimum — full plan for larger amounts
Company profileTrack record, services offered, clients served
Management CVsKey personnel — highlight relevant experience
Director / owner ID copies (certified)
List of existing contracts or ordersSigned purchase orders or letters of intent strengthen your application
Market research / demand evidenceWho will buy from you and why

Sector-Specific

Where applicable

CIDB grading certificateRequired for construction contractors applying for project finance
NPO registration certificateFrom Dept. of Social Development — for community / NGO funders
Cooperative registration certificateFrom CIPC — for co-operative development funding (DTIC, SEFA)
PBO / section 18A approvalFrom SARS — required for public benefit fundraising
Lease agreement / property ownershipProof of trading premises for asset-backed funding

Application Submission

Final step

Completed funder application form
Signed consent / authorisation forms
Banking details confirmation letter
Director suretyship / guaranteeSome funders require personal suretyship from directors
All documents certified where required
Document pack organised in the funder's required order

Not sure where to start? Barlo Projects prepares funding applications from scratch — business plans, financial projections, compliance documentation and full submission packs for SEFA, IDC, NEF, commercial banks and development funders. Contact us on 079 265 6440 or info@barlomp.co.za.