A loan for women in business

Are you a business woman with the skills and expertise to make a success of your business? If so, you may be eligible for finance of between R50 000 and R5 million through our Women Empowerment Fund.

Qualifying criteria

• You need to be a South African woman permanently residing in South Africa.
• Your business is a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) as defined by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - includes new start-ups, existing businesses, franchises and businesses switching from other banks, subject to credit approval.
• You would not qualify for a business loan under normal banking criteria due to poor credit records (must be justifiable).
• The business’s major shareholder (more than 66%) is fully involved in the day-to-day operation of the business.
• You need to have the skills and or expertise relevant to your business and/or the industry or sector.
• You need to have a well-researched business plan.
• Your business can show profitability through historical financials or a realistic cashflow forecast.
• You operate in an approved industry (ask our consultants about the sectors and industries that do not qualify).
• You require repeat loans, but only once the initial loan has been repaid in full.
• You need a loan of between R50 000 and R5 million with a maximum loan term of four years and monthly reducible overdrafts.
• You can show evidence of a revenue stream, that is, letters of intent.
• The main business transactional account is held with us. No split banking is allowed.

How the loan is structured

• 70% of the loan will be paid to your suppliers - we will structure payment of the loan directly to your suppliers.
• Your interest rate will be linked to the prime lending rate and will be structured according to the lending risk.

How to get it

Complete the application form and bring it to your nearest Absa branch, along with the supporting documentation listed on the last page of the form.

Alternative Funding application form (85kb)

Source: Absa