SA Futures Trust Economic Support still available
A
reminder of the COVID-19 Economic Support options available to
the tourism sector, which are detailed on the SATSA COVID-19 website and
updated frequently.
Click here to view the available options
SA Futures Trust
Of particular relevance today is the SA Futures Trust which focuses exclusively
on SMEs (under R25 million) and is channelled through South African banks. SAFT
has made R1bn in loan funding available for SME employees that meet pre-defined
eligibility criteria and conditions on a first-come-first-served basis.
The SA Futures Trust was set up through a grant by Nicky and Jonathan
Oppenheimer and has been active for the period of the lockdown. The fund has
already committed and disbursed over R600 million to 5,700 small businesses,
directly benefitting over 56,000 employees.
R400 million is still available but is likely to be committed in the next 2 – 3
weeks, so applicants need to move quickly.
The fund has been designed to be simple and efficient in its operation. No
paperwork is involved, and it requires very little administration against
minimal qualifying criteria. Applications for funding are assessed and
disbursed through participating commercial banks. Applicants contact their
preferred bank, using dedicated COVID-19 application portals featured on all
participant bank websites.
How the fund works:
Funding is available to SMMEs to cover the employment costs of workers who are
at risk of losing their jobs or a portion of their income as a result of
COVID-19. Funding takes the form of a five-year interest-free loan
repayable directly to the SA Futures Trust.
Applicants must meet four qualifying criteria:
- They must have been in operation for two consecutive years prior to application.
- They must have been viable businesses prior to 29th February 2020.
- Their annual turnover must not exceed R25 million.
- They must demonstrate that their operations have been adversely affected by Covid-19.
The maximum funding available per qualifying SMME is R11,250 per worker. This is calculated from R750 per designated worker per week X 15 weeks = R11,250 per worker for which support is requested. There is no ceiling on the total number of workers per applicant.
