02/10/2026
R710 Million for Township and Rural Businesses
The Department of Small Business Development has set aside R710 million for the Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP) for the 2026/27 financial year. The money will help support small businesses in townships and rural areas.
Speaking at the **2nd Annual Township & Rural Economy Investment Compact in East London**, Small Business Development Minister **Stella Ndabeni** said township and rural businesses are important to South Africa’s economy.
She said these areas have businesses operating in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, services and trade.
The government wants to help these businesses grow from small operations into **strong and sustainable businesses that can create jobs and compete in larger markets**.
The R710 million allocation follows more than R829 million given to over 111,000 small businesses during 2025/26**. The maximum amount a business can receive through TREP has also increased from R1 million to R3 million.
The department also aims to support 1 million small businesses and cooperatives during the current government term.
The funding is part of government’s efforts to give township and rural entrepreneurs better access to funding, business support and opportunities to grow.
The aim is to help township and rural businesses become a bigger part of South Africa’s mainstream economy.
