The fund offers tailored loans between R250,000 and R5 million (approximately US$11,000 to US$221,000), geared toward formally registered SMEs with a majority female ownership (at least 50%) and actively involved women shareholders. 

Funds disbursed can be used for a variety of business needs, including acquiring property, purchasing equipment, securing working capital, taking over existing operations, refinancing, or even buying a viable franchise. 

Beyond just financial support, BPL emphasises the fund’s flexible repayment structure: borrowers may benefit from options such as interest capitalisation or a moratorium on repayments for up to six months.

According to BPL’s regional investment lead, René Botha, the initiative was born out of recognition that many women in South Africa struggle to secure affordable finance and access to vital business networks.

Instead of limiting itself to providing loans, BPL intends to offer accompanying technical support, mentorship and networking opportunities to help these entrepreneurs scale. 

The launch of the Basadi-Women Growth Fund comes against a backdrop of evidence that women-led businesses in South Africa disproportionately struggle to grow compared to male-led firms.

Data cited by BPL show that only about 4.9 percent of women’s enterprises reach a headcount of 20 or more employees, versus 11.8 percent of men-led firms.  

BPL hopes the fund will help boost participation of women in entrepreneurship, with the broader goal of fostering sustainable economic growth, job creation and social upliftment.  

Applications for the Basadi-Women Growth Fund are open to eligible women-run businesses that meet the criteria set out by BPL online. 

Applications can be submitted here.