Economic Sector Support: Export Competitiveness Enhancement Programme

EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMME (ECEP)

THE FUND APPLICATION WINDOW IS NOW OPEN

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) is inviting applications from potential and existing companies as well as intermediaries / organisations that currently assist businesses with exports to apply for financial assistance and support through the Export Competitiveness Enhancement Programme (ECEP). The Export Competitiveness Programme (ECEP) aims to develop and equip business enterprises facing technical challenges to diversify and access international markets.

The ECEP Fund will provide comprehensive support to businesses and Intermediaries / organisations that are dedicated to implementing programmes and projects fostering their export initiative. The programme support will focus on the following services:

• Product reformulation and refinement.
• International packaging, labelling and printing requirements.
• International product certification and standards for international market access.
• Product or service registration with relevant international bodies in export markets.
• International nutritional analysis.
• Special handling services and/ or permits required to export products safely and efficiently.
• E-commerce platform listing.

The Fund is geared towards businesses that are existing exporters or potential exporters in the following sub-sectors but not limited to:

• Food.
• Beverages.
• Cosmetics (Make-up products).
• Personal care products (oral-, skin-, and body care).
• Jewellery.
• Transport Equipment.
• Computer, Electronics and Optical Products.
• Rubber and Plastic Products.
• Machinery and Equipment.
• Wearing Apparel.
• Craft and furniture.

The following exclusions should be noted when applying for the fund:

a) Operational and working capital.

b) Contributing to production costs or purchase of stock.

c) Building any kind of infrastructure.

d) Enterprises not based in the Western Cape.

Funding Criteria

Priority will be given to companies operating in industries with high export potential identified in the Western Cape economy. The planned intervention intends to develop successful exporters meeting client needs in a professional manner.

Qualifying Criteria 

Qualifying Organisation / intermediary and / or businesses must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Be a registered legal entity;
• Must be tax compliant at the time of application;
• Audited financial statements (AFS) Independently reviewed or compiled financial statements for the two most recent financial years. AFS must be unqualified;
• Business must be based in the geographic boundary of the Western Cape, even if the main office is located in another province;
• Intermediary/organisation can be based in South Africa; however, the beneficiary businesses must be based in the Western Cape;
• Business or intermediary/organisation must demonstrate that it is able to provide its own or third-party funding.

Submission of Applications

We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the online form and other relevant documentation so that you have the necessary information at hand when completing your application.

• Read the call for proposals document to ensure legibility, requirements and clarity.
• Download the project proposal and complete it. 
• Prepare all required documents and have them ready for uploading. 
• Applicants must complete the relevant online application form below and upload all supporting documents.

Application Form for Businesses

Application Form for Organisations/Intermediaries

ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED

Only applications submitted via the online process, will be considered. No emailed or hand-delivered applications will be considered.

The fund is contingent upon budget availability, which will be made accessible through an open fund. The allocation of funds will be at the discretion of the Department, based on evaluation criteria and the availability of budgetary resources. 

For more information, contact Mr. Goodwell Dingaan on 021 483 9315 or e-mail us at ECEP@westerncape.gov.za

Return to the ECONOMIC SECTOR SUPPORT homepage.