Store Development Fund

Store Development Fund (SDF)

The Dora Tamana Co-operative Agency (DTCA) invites primary co-operatives to apply for the Store Development Fund (SDF) — a targeted funding initiative aimed at supporting the establishment and strengthening of community-owned stores across South Africa.

The SDF is part of DTCA's broader mission to empower communities through cooperative enterprise, creating sustainable local economies that keep wealth within the communities they serve.

Applications are open from 01 May 2026 to 30 May 2026. Incomplete applications or those missing required documents will not be considered.

Opens

01 May 2026

Applications accepted from this date

Closes

30 May 2026

No late submissions will be accepted

R200,000

Maximum funding available per co-operative

Co-operatives must contribute a minimum of 10% towards the total project cost

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Store Development Fund, primary co-operatives must meet all of the following criteria. Evidence must be provided for each requirement as part of the application package.

Active Bank Account

Must hold an active bank account with recent transaction history.

Active Buying Club

Must have an active buying club with verifiable monthly transactions.

Functional Board Governance

A properly constituted and functioning board of directors must be in place.

Secured Store Site

A confirmed store location supported by a lease agreement or letter of intent.

Detailed Budget (≤ R200,000)

A comprehensive project budget not exceeding R200,000 must accompany the proposal.

Minimum 10% Co-contribution

Co-operatives must contribute at least 10% of total project cost in cash or in-kind, with evidence.

Required Supporting Documents

All applications must include the following supporting documents. Missing documents will result in automatic disqualification from the fund.

Co-operative Registration Certificate
Official CIPC or relevant authority registration certificate.
Bank Statements (last 3 months)
Most recent three months of certified bank statements confirming account activity.
Board Meeting Minutes (last 3 months)
Signed minutes confirming the functioning governance structure.
Proof of Active Buying Club
Latest sales reports or buying club order records for the last 3 months.
Proof of Secured Store Site
Lease agreement, rights to occupy, or letter of intent for the proposed store.
Detailed Project Budget Breakdown
Itemised budget not exceeding R200,000. Stock must be at least 35% of total budget.
Member Share Register
Evidence of member share contributions towards store opening.
Bank Confirmation Letter
Official bank letter confirming the co-operative's active account.

Submit Your Application

Complete all sections below and attach the required supporting documents. Fields marked * are mandatory.

Name of Co-operative *

Co-operative Registration Number *

Province *

Physical Address of Co-operative *

Contact Person *

First Name

Middle Name

Last Name

Contact Number *

Please enter a valid phone number.

Email Address *

Total Number of Board Members *

Number of Board Members that paid shares *

Date of Last Board Meeting *

Date

How often does the board meet? *

Weekly Monthly Quarterly

Value of one member share (R) *

Number of members who have paid shares *

Did you hold your first AGM *

YES NO

Provide date of last AGM or planned AGM *

Upload Board Meeting Minutes (Last 3 Months) * Upload a File Drag and drop files here

No file chosen

Provide details of local suppliers secured to support the store, including the type of products they will supply, estimated quantities, and frequency of supply *

Have you identified volunteers or members with retail or business experience? If yes, describe their skills and outline how they will contribute to store operations during the start-up phase? *

How is your store linked to buying clubs and local production? *

Latest Sales Reports / Buying Club Order Records for the Last 3 Months * Upload a File Drag and drop files here

No file chosen

Total amount requested *

Budget cost categories covered by this application *

Stock Renovations Equipment Other

Provide a budget summary for the selected cost categories *

Explain the amounts and use of funds under Stock, Renovations, Equipment and/or Other. Stock must be at least 35% of the total budget and should include locally produced items where possible.

Upload Detailed Budget Breakdown * Upload a File Drag and drop files here

No file chosen

Total value of member share contributions towards opening the store (R) *

Cash contribution amount (R) if applicable *

In-kind contribution amount (R) if applicable *

In-kind contribution types *

Labour Services Materials Equipment Transport Donation Venue or space Other

Describe the selected contribution details *

Provide details about the items selected above.

Upload member share register * Upload a File Drag and drop files here

No file chosen

Bank Name *

Account Name *

Account Number *

Upload Bank Confirmation Letter * Upload a File Drag and drop files here

No file chosen

Upload Last 3 Months Bank Statements * Upload a File Drag and drop files here

No file chosen

Number of active buying clubs *

Name at least one WhatsApp Group

Total number of active buying club members *

Indicate the total number of members currently participating in buying club orders.

How many members are currently placing monthly buying club orders of at least R500 per month? *

Only include members who place orders of R500 or more per month.

Average monthly value of orders per buying club (R) *

Enter the average monthly amount in rand for one buying club.

Total monthly value of all buying club orders (R) *

Enter the combined monthly value of all buying club orders in rand.

Describe your buying club activity

Upload proof of buying club activity (orders / records) Upload a File Drag and drop files here

No file chosen

Do you have an active WhatsApp group for members? *

Yes No

What is the name of the WhatsApp Group?

Location of the proposed store *

Physical Address of the Store *

Enter the full physical address of the proposed store site.

Upload Pictures of Proposed Store Site(s) * Upload Photos Drag and drop files here

Please upload clear photos of the proposed site, including the exterior, interior if available, and the surrounding area.

Type of site proof *

Lease Agreement Rights to Occupy Letter of Intent

Upload store site documentation * Upload a File Drag and drop files here

No file chosen

Do you confirm that all information provided is true and correct? *

Yes No

Full Name of Applicant *

First Name

Last Name

Position in Co-operative *

Date *

Date

If you have not convened your AGM, provide proposed date to hold AGM

Date

Applications close 30 May 2026. You will receive an acknowledgement email within 3 business days.

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