Seda has initiated a programme called “Pitch for Funding” with the aim of closing the gap between entrepreneurs and investors. The ongoing challenge for access to finance by small businesses compels Seda to intervene in facilitating access to finance for entrepreneurs whilst assisting investors’ need for quality deal flow. It has however been found that there is a large gap between what investors are looking for, and what entrepreneurs present.
Seda’s regional pitching competitions aim to fill this gap.
The Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda), is an Agency of the Department of Small Business Development. Seda was established through an act of Parliament, Act 29 of 2004 and has been mandated, under the leadership of Honourable Minister, Ms. Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams (MP), to promote entrepreneurship and develop small enterprises by providing customized non-financial business support services that result in business growth and sustainability in collaboration with other role players. As a National Agency, Seda currently operates within all 9 provinces in South Africa and has a network of 53 branches, and supports over 104 business incubators.