BASA Presidential Employment Stimulus Program for South African SMEs 2023

Business and Arts South Africa NPC (BASA), invites registered small and micro businesses in the cultural and creative industries to submit their requests for the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP4) grant funding. PESP4, an initiative of the Presidency and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), aims to open doors in the creative and cultural sectors with an emphasis on shared value.

The funding is specifically for businesses in the cultural and creative sectors. This can include visual and performance arts, music, dance, literature, fashion, media, cultural development, heritage preservation etc.. These can be permanent and ongoing projects that sustainably employ people or special projects that offer employment opportunities. Projects must be delivered by registered South African small and micro enterprises (SMEs i.e. with up to 200 full-time employees and an annual turnover of no more than R10 million) within the cultural and creative industries. Projects must create jobs and have a clear focus on targeted groups, Projects involving women, youth and people living with disabilities will be given priority consideration. Initiatives which promote human capital development (education, training, technology, innovation, skills, wellness) will also be considered.

About Business and Arts South Africa (BASA)

BASA was founded in 1997 as a joint initiative between government and the private sector, as part of a strategy to secure greater involvement in the arts from businesses operating in South Africa. Established as a Section 21 company, BASA is constituted in terms of the Companies Act, and is registered as a public benefit organisation. Its delisting as a Schedule 3 entity has seen Business and Arts South Africa NPC register for VAT. BASA is accountable to its stakeholders – the government, BASA members and the creative sector.... read more... read more

BASA Presidential Employment Stimulus Program

Aim and Benefits of BASA Presidential Employment Stimulus Program

Minimum of R 500 000 and a maximum of R 3 000 000.

Requirements for BASA Presidential Employment Stimulus Program Qualification

1. Projects delivered by CIPC registered South African small and micro enterprises (SMEs defined as a business with up to 50 full-time employees and an annual turnover of no more than R15 million) or NPOs/NGOs registered with the DSD within the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs).*
2. Projects delivered/submitted by women, youth and people living with disabilities will be given priority consideration.
3. ONLY projects that have a well-thought-out project plan with clear goals, specific and quantifiable metrics, and with measurable impact will be considered.
4. Projects must CREATE JOBS and have a clear focus on the target groups (women, youth and people living with disabilities).
5. Initiatives/Projects which promote human capital development (education, training, technology, innovation, skills transferral, wellness) will also be in strong consideration.

EXCLUSIONS

1. Previous PESP Grant Funding recipients.
2. Applications that are not from SMEs active in the CCIs.
3. BASA PESP does not fund applications for film production. Applicants for film productions are encouraged to apply to the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF).
4. BASA PESP does not fund applications for theatre productions, festivals, events, workshops and masterclasses through PESP4. Applicants are encouraged to apply to the National Arts Council (NAC). 

If any of the compliance requirements are not met, the application WILL NOT be considered.

Please note that while BASA will endeavour to give each unsuccessful application some feedback about why their application was rejected, the volume of applications is very high and we are not able to enter into detailed correspondence with all applicants.

Interview date, Process and Venue for BASA Presidential Employment Stimulus Program

Selection

The public is invited to nominate an independent review panel that will consider all applications. This panel is constituted of: Three (3) business leaders with extensive knowledge of the creative sector Three (3) leading arts practitioners with significant standing in the creative sector

Application Deadline

How to Apply

By Friday 22 September 2023, at 17:00, or earlier. Those who are qualified will be asked to complete an online application.

For more details, visit BASA website.