Does Seda provide funding?

Seda Business Start Provides tools and techniques for clients who are ready to start a business and want assistance and direction.

SEDA was established in December 2004, through the National Small Business Amendment Act, Act 29 of 2004. Most people ask if one requires a SEDA business plan to acquire the grants.

Another asked question by the majority of the entrepreneurs is ‘how do I apply for the SEDA grants?’ One requires a proposal which must be submitted via the application form. One should follow all the guidelines on how to present the document via the online application platform of SEDA.

How do I apply?

  • You may wish to view the recording of the webinar How to apply for a SEDA small grant
  • Proposals must be submitted using the application form by the deadline of 12 noon on 29th January 2025/2026
  • Proposals should be emailed to office@seda.ac.uk under the heading SEDA Research and Evaluation Grants. 
  • We will acknowledge receipt of all applications. If you do not receive an email acknowledgement then assume that your application has not been received and follow this up with the SEDA office.

What criteria will be used to evaluate the grants?
SEDA Research and Evaluation Grants are competitive bids and SEDA normally awards up to five projects annually. The bids are judged by the SEDA Research Committee against the extent to which they: 
a. Demonstrate awareness of, and build on, current research and literature in educational development, including SEDA grants (details of which are available here)
b. Entail appropriate and achievable methodology within the context and timescale of the project (including ethical implications where relevant)
c. Include a realistic project plan with timescale, deliverables and providing value for money 
d. Involve collaboration beyond the individual’s immediate setting
e. Identify clear implications for educational development beyond the individual’s immediate practice
f. Indicate any experience or an interest in pedagogic research and evaluation.
We will only fund one application per institution and we will not consider applications from individuals or project teams who have been funded in the previous year. Applicants will receive feedback against these criteria including the areas of strength in the proposal and those that could be improved. 


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