BUSINESSES based in the Western Cape looking to become exporters can get up to
R200 000 in support through the Export Competitiveness Enhancement Programme (ECEP).
The programme, which is run through the Western Cape’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) has a total of R4-million available to help local businesses export for the 2024/25 financial year.
The ECEP is meant to assist businesses that are exporting but facing technical challenges to access international markets.
What you can and can’t use it for
The programme is designed to provide support to exporters as it relates to market access, in the following categories:
- Product reformulation and refinement
- International packaging, labelling and printing
- International product certification and market access standards
- Product registration with relevant international bodies in the markets
- International nutritional analysis and
- Special handling services and/ or permits required to export products safely and efficiently.
The fund, however, does exclude the following:
- Operational and working capital
- Contributing to production costs or the purchase of stock
- Building any kind of infrastructure
- Projects that are already been implemented will not be considered
- Enterprises not based in the Western Cape.
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, electronic and optical products
- Rubber and plastic products
- Machinery and equipment
- Wearing apparel
- Craft and furniture
- E-commerce platform listing(s)
Though there is a R200 000 cap on specific businesses, there is no such cap on organisations or intermediaries applying on behalf of companies.
Businesses which get other types of funding from the Western Cape Government will not be disqualified from getting funding from the ECEP.
Apply as soon as you can
The DEDAT points out the approval of the application is subject to budget availability and that applicants should not hesitate when it comes to applying.
“It is in the best interest of the applicant to submit funding applications as soon as possible. The allocation of funds will be at the discretion of the department and will be based on the evaluation process and the availability of budget,” it says.
The ECEP commenced in 2023 and received 104 applications from individual businesses and two sector development organisations. Transfer agreements were finalised with 11 beneficiaries to kick start their export initiatives.
These agreements focused on accessing the international markets of the US and EU with products such as fibre glass boats, wine, organic teas, alternative coffees, air diffusers and leather goods.
“The beneficiaries were mainly in the following sectors: machinery and equipment, leather goods and fashion accessories/home décor, processed for & wine production, processed food & beverages, boat building and computer, electronic and optical products,” according to the DEDAT said in its 2023/24 annual report.
Those looking to apply can access the ECEP Intermediary Application on this link: https://forms.office.com/r/5tR4rFj5VC
