Social media platform Facebook has launched an R8.5 million grant scheme to support South African small business affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The scheme is part of Facebook’s broader $100 million (R1.7 billion) Small Business Grants Programme being implemented in around 30 countries and targeting 30,000 businesses.
The Programme is being administered through cash grants and ad credits in partnership with Deloitte and grants platform Quest Computing Ltd. Applications for South Africa officially opened on Thursday, 27 August and will end on 5 September, 2020.
“We know that your business may be experiencing disruptions resulting from the global outbreak of COVID-19. We’ve heard that a little financial support can go a long way, so we’re offering R24,482 in cash grants and R14,689 in ad credits to help during this challenging time,” Facebook said.
Facebook Small Business Grants Programme South Africa
Eligibility
To qualify for the Facebook Small Business Grants Programme in South Africa, a business must:
- Be a for-profit business.
- Have between 2 and 50 employees.
- Have been in business for over a year.
- Have experienced challenges from COVID-19.
- Be in or near a location where Facebook operates.
Facebook added, “You cannot apply on behalf of your business if you are a current government official or relative of a government official. You will be asked to confirm you are not a government official as part of the application form.”
Documentation
When applying for the grant, a small business must provide its most recent financial statements or accounts and a legal document proving that it has been operational for at least one year, such as an annual return, business name licence, business registration or a partnership agreement.
How to apply for the Facebook Small Business Grant in South Africa
To apply for the Facebook Small Business Grant in South Africa, visit the grants page at https://www.facebook.com/business/boost/grants and select “South Africa” under the section “How do I apply?” Next, click on the “Continue to partner site” button.
Alternatively, you may go directly to the South Africa application page at https://nile.apply-aims-grants.com/AUUID/A8C199FE8. On this page, you will be able to see the “apply” link.
Unsuccessful applicants can still benefit from Facebook’s additional resources available at its Resources Hub.
Facebook Africa regional director Nunu Ntshingila said, “We know small businesses are the engines of the South African economy. The COVID-19 pandemic has extended beyond a public health crisis to an economic emergency, with these small businesses most affected.
“We’re listening to the challenges these small business owners are facing right now and want to provide useful resources for them during this difficult and uncertain year.”