BASA PESP4 FAQ offers solutions to frequent queries, concerns, and objections. You can delve into the specifics here and use the questions that follow to direct your application process.

What is the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP)

The Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme was developed by the South African
Presidency office in response to the severe economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. It
aims to create new jobs, provide support for livelihoods and protect existing jobs in
vulnerable sectors. Together the Presidency and the Department of Sport, Arts and
Culture (DSAC) have launched PESP3 (the third round of funding) to create
opportunities in the creative and cultural sectors with a focus on shared value. PESP has
demonstrated the government’s capacity to take public employment and other forms of
publicly-funded support to a new scale, with the achievement of over 550 000 jobs and
livelihood opportunities, and still more in implementation.

Why is Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) involved in the PESP?

The call for applications, the management of the awarding of grants and the distribution
of funding is managed on behalf of the PESP by various agencies in South Africa. BASA is one
of these agencies working specifically with applications for the creative sector.
BASA’s role in the implementation of PESP3 is focused on ensuring that the jobs created
provide meaningful work experience for participants, which will assist them on their
journey into the wider labour market, making participants ‘work ready’ as the economic
recovery creates more sustainable jobs.

Who decides on the allocation of funding?

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

Who qualifies to enter?

This funding is specifically for registered small and micro businesses in the cultural and
creative industries. A registered business is one that is a legal entity (such as a private
company, Pty Ltd or proprietary limited company) and must be a business registered with

the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). This round is unfortunately not
for individuals.

What kind of projects are you funding?

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.

Is there a minimum or maximum amount allocated per beneficiary?

Yes there is a minimum of R 500 000 and a maximum of R 3 000 000.

Can I apply if my business has already received funding from the PESP?

No unfortunately not. This round of funding is specifically for once-off stimulus funding
aimed at small and micro enterprises rather recurring funding.

What must be in the expression of interest letter?

The expression of interest should cover the following
 An introduction to yourself and the company;
 The amount of staff employed;
 A brief overview of a clear strategy on how the funds will be utilised;
 The total budget value; and
 An attached budget breakdown.

When will I hear back after I send in the expression of interest.

The panel will review all expressions of interest and contact applicants to either
decline the application or to guide you through a more detailed application process.

For more information, please visit https://basa.co.za/grants/pesp3-grant-funding/