CFAs: Centres for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (South Africa)

The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), an entity of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), is calling for the submission of funding applications from TIA investees or innovators funded through other organisations in the National System of Innovation (NSI) who have created or are interested in creating new centres to support SMMEs in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE).

Category

Grant

Target Audience

This call is specifically targeted at applications from marginalised communities, including townships and rural areas in South Africa.

Funding Information

• Grant funding up to a maximum of R700,000 to develop a new centre focused on supporting SMMEs in innovation and entrepreneurship.
• TIA will retain the first right of refusal to fund any innovation outputs of the project.
• The duration of the project shall not exceed a maximum period of 18 months.

Fundable Activities

• Setting up a new centre with demonstrated capacity or partnerships to ensure success.
• Capacity building, skills training, and business development in innovation and entrepreneurship for SMMEs for a period of 6 to 12 months.
• Support activities to SMMEs such as tech development, product development, market access opportunities, and business development opportunities along the innovation value chain.

Non-Fundable Activities

• Training facilities and training materials.
• Development of training programmes.
• Programme activities not related to supporting SMMEs in innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Operational costs like utilities and unrelated activities.
• Office equipment (laptops, printers, furniture, etc.).
• Infrastructure development such as buildings, ICT infrastructure, and power supply.

Eligibility Criteria

• TIA investees or innovators funded through other NSI organisations who have a demonstrable track record of technology deployment in the market and have created or are interested in creating new centres.
• Priority is given to underserved provinces, with Gauteng applications excluded due to an abundance of centres.
• Applicants who can train at least 30 SMMEs in innovation and entrepreneurship for 6 to 12 months.
• Applicants who have access to a training room, training materials, and can deliver the programme.

Exclusion Zones

• Eastern Cape: Tambo District, Amathole District, Buffalo City Metropolitan
• Gauteng: All districts
• Kwa-Zulu Natal: eThekwini Metropolitan, Ugu District
• Limpopo: Sekhukhune District, Waterberg District, Capricorn District
• Mpumalanga: Nkangala District, Gert Sibande District
• Western Cape: City of Cape Town Metropolitan

Highlights

• Donor Name: Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)
• Grant Size: $10,000 to $100,000
• Source URL: https://www.tia.org.za/centres-for-innovation-and-entrepreneurship/
• Publish Date: 10-Sept-2024
• Deadline Date: 15-Sept-2024
• Country: South Africa