The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) has called for applications for the Agro-Processing Support Scheme (APSS). Closing date is 30 September.
The APSS aims to stimulate investment in South African agri-business enterprises. The investment should demonstrate that it will achieve amongst others increased capacity, employment creation, modernised machinery and equipment, competitiveness and productivity improvement and broadening participation.
The APSS offers a 20% to 30% cost-sharing grant to a maximum of R20 million over a two-year investment period, with a last claim to be submitted within six months after the final approved milestone.
The dti may consider an additional 10% grant for projects that meet all economic benefit criteria such as employment, transformation, geographic spread and local procurement.
The maximum approved grant may be utilised on a combination of investment costs provided the applicant illustrates a sound business case for the proposed investment activities.
An applicant must submit a completed application form and business plan with detailed agri-business enterprise activities, budget plans and projected income statement and balance sheet, for a period of at least three years for the project.