Support for entrepreneurs, businesses, cooperatives and NPOs led by or
serving Persons with Disabilities
DEET, in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development,
Environmental Affairs and Tourism, invites eligible entrepreneurs, businesses, cooperatives
and NPOs led by or serving Persons with Disabilities in the Eastern Cape to apply for support
through the Disability Empowerment Fund.
The Fund provides support towards materials and/or equipment to strengthen sustainable
economic participation, entrepreneurship and disability-focused community initiatives.
Applications open on 1 September 2026 and close on 12 October 2026 at 12h00.
No late applications will be accepted. Applications that are incomplete on the closing
date will be regarded as non-compliant.
Funding categories
What you can apply for
Select one category only. The total value of the materials or equipment you
request may not exceed the maximum value for that category. Only one successful applicant will
be selected in each category.
Individual Entrepreneur Support
For individual entrepreneurs and informal businesses owned and run by a Person with a Disability.
Up toR30 000
Youth Entrepreneur Support
For entrepreneurs with a disability between the ages of 18 and 35 years.
Up toR40 000
Women Entrepreneur Support
For women entrepreneurs with a disability operating in the Eastern Cape.
Up toR50 000
Disability-Owned Company or Cooperative
For registered companies and cooperatives owned, controlled and managed by Persons with Disabilities.
Up toR75 000
Disability NPO Support
For registered nonprofits serving Persons with Disabilities, with a majority of board members who are Persons with Disabilities.
Up toR100 000
Before you apply
What the Fund covers
What is provided
Approved materials and equipment, procured and supplied directly by DEET to the
successful applicant.
What is not provided
No cash payments are made. Approved items may not be sold, transferred, pledged or
disposed of without written approval from DEET.
Because DEET procures the items on your behalf, your application must
include a detailed list of the materials or equipment you need and three comparable supplier
quotations. Quotations that are not comparable, or a list that does not match your business
plan, will delay assessment.
Eligibility
Who can apply
You are a Person with a Disability, or your entity is led by or serves Persons with Disabilities.
You live in, or your entity is registered and operates in, the Eastern Cape. Applications from outside the province will not be considered.
You can provide proof of disability and proof of an Eastern Cape address.
Companies and cooperatives: ownership, control and management by Persons with Disabilities can be proven.
NPOs: a majority of trustees or board members are Persons with Disabilities.
The items you are requesting have not been funded by another organisation.
Reasonable accommodation
If you need support to complete or submit your application, indicate this in section 4 of the
application form, or contact DEET on 043 722 7334. Disability
information is treated as confidential and is used only to assess eligibility and to arrange
reasonable accommodation.
Download the Fund documents
All four documents are compulsory reading. The
application form, the motivation and the business plan must be submitted together.
Call for Proposals
The full criteria, categories, requirements and assessment process for the 2026 Fund.
Need these documents in another format? Email
funding@ecdeet.co.za or call
043 722 7334 and we will send you an accessible, large print
or printed version.
The process
How to apply
Choose one category
Confirm that you meet the eligibility rules for that category before you start.
Download all four documents
Read the Call for Proposals first, then complete the application form.
Write your motivation
At least two full pages, in full sentences and paragraphs. Bullet points on their own will not be accepted.
Complete your business plan
Use the template supplied and complete every applicable section.
Get three comparable quotations
All three must be for the same items so that DEET can compare pricing fairly.
Gather your supporting documents
Use the checklist in section 11 of the application form, and the summary below.
Sign and submit before the deadline
Email your complete application to funding@ecdeet.co.za before 12h00 on 12 October 2026.
Checklist
Compulsory attachments
Completed and signed application form
Motivation of at least two full pages
Complete business plan
Certified identity document
Proof of disability
Proof of Eastern Cape residential or operating address
Detailed list of requested materials and equipment
Three comparable supplier quotations
Registration documents and proof of disability ownership or control, where applicable
Incomplete applications will be regarded as non-compliant. No late applications will be
accepted after 12h00 on 12 October 2026.
Transparency
How applications are assessed
Every compliant application is scored out of 100 across five areas. Use
these areas as a guide when you write your motivation and business plan.
Disability Empowerment Fund assessment areas and maximum scores
Assessment area
Points
Eligibility and compliance
20
Need and relevance of support
20
Viability and sustainability
20
Economic and disability impact
20
Capacity, value for money and implementation
20
Total
100
DEET and DEDEAT may verify all information supplied, conduct due
diligence and carry out site visits before and after an award.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
No. The Fund provides approved materials and equipment only. DEET procures and supplies
the items directly to the successful applicant.
No. The Fund is strictly for applicants who live and operate in the Eastern Cape, or
for entities registered and operating in the province.
Select one category only. Choose the category that best matches your circumstances and
the value of the equipment you need.
Not for every category. Individual entrepreneurs and informal businesses may apply
under Category 1. Categories 4 and 5 require a registered company, cooperative or NPO.
Contact DEET on 043 722 7334. Reasonable accommodation
is available on request, including assistance for applicants who are blind or partially
sighted.
Successful applicants will be contacted directly by DEET once the assessment process is complete. Please do not phone for results before you have been contacted.
Need help applying?
DEET's head office in East London supports
applicants across every district of the Eastern Cape. If you cannot download the documents,
need them in an accessible format, or need help completing the form, contact us well before the
closing date.
Head office
General enquiries about the Fund, and requests for printed or accessible documents.
043 722 7334
16 Greenwood Street, Berea, East London, 5200
SCM enquiries
Ms Unathi Nhele. Supply chain, quotations and procurement questions.
