South Africa’s creative entrepreneurs are set to gain dedicated funding and business development support through the newly launched Creative Biz Fund, helping them turn talent, ideas and intellectual property into sustainable enterprises.
Minister of Small Business Development Ms Stella Tembisa Ndabeni officially launched the Fund at Elka Stadium in Rockville, Soweto, on Saturday, 26 September 2026, marking a new chapter in government support for South Africa’s vibrant creative economy.
In her keynote address, Minister Ndabeni said, “The Fund is initially capitalised at R150 million, with the intention to leverage strategic partnerships and co-investment to expand its reach over time”
Under the theme “Where Creativity Meets Impact,” the launch united government representatives, creative entrepreneurs, industry practitioners and ecosystem partners around a shared goal: unlocking the business potential of South Africa’s creative industries.
Developed in consultation with industry stakeholders, the Fund offers more than traditional enterprise financing. It combines funding with sector-based business development and technical support, helping creative enterprises strengthen operations, protect and monetise intellectual property, increase production capacity, meet compliance requirements and reach new markets.
The Fund will initially focus on three areas:
- Fashion: clothing, textiles, footwear and leather
- Music: music and sound recording
- Screen: film, television, immersive media and digital media
The sector already makes a major contribution to the national economy. In 2023, South Africa’s creative economy contributed approximately R271.2 billion to GDP and supported around 1.4 million jobs—highlighting its scale and potential for further growth.
The Creative Biz Fund follows the CreativeBiz Nexus engagement held in Durban earlier this year. At that gathering, the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) and creative-sector stakeholders identified the key financing and business-development barriers facing creative entrepreneurs.
The launch showcased the energy of the creative economy through exhibitions, masterclasses and live showcases. Industry leaders David Tlale, Thato Moraka and DJ Christos shared practical insights on building sustainable creative businesses and careers.
Programme highlights included the “From Script to Screen” film showcase, the “Creativity on the Runway” fashion show and music showcases celebrating South African talent.
Messages of support were delivered by City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor Cllr Dada Morero, Gauteng MEC for Arts and Culture Mr Lebogang Maile and Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Ms Bertha Peace Mabe. Pastor Nthabeleng Mokitimi-Dlamini led the opening prayer and invocation.
In her keynote address, Minister Ndabeni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to giving creative entrepreneurs access to the finance, skills, business support and market opportunities they need to build commercially viable, sustainable enterprises.
Closing the event, SEDFA Board Chairperson Mr Patrick Makape reiterated the Board’s commitment to delivering programmes that respond directly to the realities facing entrepreneurs across sectors.
