من نحن

The Disability Empowerment Fund (DEF) provides in‑kind support through materials and equipment to strengthen entrepreneurs, businesses, cooperatives, and nonprofit organizations led by or serving Persons with Disabilities in the Eastern Cape. The program seeks to empower disability‑focused initiatives by enabling them to expand their operations, improve service delivery, and enhance community impact.

Support is available across several categories: individual entrepreneurs (up to R30,000), youth entrepreneurs (up to R40,000), women entrepreneurs (up to R50,000), disability‑owned companies or cooperatives (up to R75,000), and disability‑focused nonprofit organizations (up to R100,000). Funding is strictly provided in the form of approved materials and equipment, with no cash disbursements. Items granted may not be sold, transferred, or disposed of without prior written approval from the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEET).

Projects must be implemented within the Eastern Cape and directly benefit Persons with Disabilities through business development or community initiatives. The Fund prioritizes sustainable growth, inclusion, and empowerment by supporting entities that demonstrate clear plans for impact and resilience.

معايير القبول

Applicants must be Persons with Disabilities or entities led by or serving Persons with Disabilities, residing in or operating within the Eastern Cape. Proof of disability and proof of Eastern Cape residence are mandatory. Companies, cooperatives, and nonprofit organizations must demonstrate appropriate ownership, control, or board composition reflecting disability leadership or service focus.

Applications must include: a completed and signed application form, a motivation of at least two pages, a full business plan, certified identity document, proof of disability, proof of Eastern Cape address, a detailed list of requested materials and equipment, three comparable supplier quotations, and relevant registration documents. Requested items must not have been previously funded by another organization. Proposals will be assessed on organizational capacity, relevance of requested support, and potential to empower Persons with Disabilities through sustainable initiatives.

Post Date: September 01, 2026