Frequently Asked Questions

Londvolota has a track record of identifying and growing small and medium-sized Black-owned enterprises. The Londvolota model provides access to funding, expert business support to help you grow, and technical development support — all within an enabling environment focused on building South Africa’s engineering and manufacturing base.

Londvolota supports businesses that operate in sectors aligned with GE’s business interests, and that have a current or clearly evidenced potential role in GE’s supply chain — this link to GE is central to what we look for, not just one factor among many.
We look for entrepreneurs and business owners who are actively and operationally involved in their business, with the relevant skills, knowledge, experience and track record to grow it — and who own and manage the enterprise themselves.

Londvolota are looking for businesses that meet the following criteria

● Annual turnover not exceeding R50 million per annum
● South African domiciled business, registered with CIPC
● At least 51% Black ownership (as defined in the B-BBEE Codes)
● Owned and actively managed by the Black shareholder(s)/director(s) applying
● A current, or clearly evidenced potential, role in GE’s South African supply chain
● In good standing with SARS, with sound financial management
● Agreement to programme terms and conditions, including due diligence and monitoring
● Proven track record and a clear business plan
● Operates within the sectors identified
● Creates Improvement and creates or sustains employment

Londvolota will not support:
● Any entity in contravention of the laws of the country
● Micro enterprises
● Businesses with no current or potential link to GE’s South African supply chain
● Any business that does not meet the criteria of the basic assessment

There is no fixed minimum or maximum amount. Each application specifies the funding requested on the form, and the Trustees assess this against your project, budget, and the funds available for that round.

No. Funding through the Londvolota Development Trust is provided as a grant, not a loan — there is no interest charged and no repayment required. Funds are, however, subject to the terms of a signed Grant Agreement, including monitoring, reporting, and compliance obligations.

No formal collateral is required. Instead, Londvolota conducts a thorough due diligence process — covering your financials, organisational compliance, and your relationship with GE’s supply chain — before any funding is approved and disbursed.

We use the definition of an SME as described by the Department of Small Business Development (www.dsbd.gov.za).