Frequently Asked Questions

BASA’s Supporting Grants 2.0 are catalytic micro-grants that fund prototype partnerships between creatives and businesses. The aim is to pilot bold, time-bound ideas that demonstrate how creativity can generate value for both business and society. These are not conventional project grants, but rather seed funding for innovation and experimentation at the intersection of business and the arts.

The new version:

• Prioritises innovation, partnership, and proof-of-concept.
• Funds 3-month pilots with a focus on real-world impact.
• Requires a clear partnership between a creative and a business (big or small).
• Offers a pathway to further incubation, investment, and acceleration for selected projects.
• Is thematic, linking to current economic, social, or environmental challenges.

• Any South African-based creative (individual or organisation).
• A creative must apply with a business partner—this can be a corporate, a startup, an SMME, or even a community enterprise.
• Partnerships between emerging creatives and small local businesses are strongly encouraged.
• You must be a registered Creative Member of BASA—membership is free.

Not necessarily. Either the creative or the business partner must be able to receive funds through a formal entity (registered NPC, NPO, Pty Ltd, or sole proprietorship with tax clearance).

Each grant will fund up to R100,000, depending on the strength of the project. Grants can range between R10,000 and R100,000, based on the proposal, scope, and partnership structure.

The pilot or prototype should be completed within 3 months of receiving the grant. Projects for the 2025/6 cycle will need to be implemented between Oct/Nov 2025 and February 2026.

Any creative–business partnership that:

• Tackles a real-world challenge or opportunity
• Has potential for scale or replication
• Shows mutual value for both the creative and the business
• Aligns with one of the thematic areas on the call document
• See the call document for examples under each theme.

You are encouraged to apply with a business partner already secured. 

• This is a broad definition—it could be:
• A large corporation or brand
• A local business in your community (mall, clinic, supermarket, guesthouse)
• A property developer, a manufacturing firm, a data company, or others depending on your idea

Yes, you can apply with an existing partnership or project, as long as your idea aligns with the goals and criteria of the Supporting Grants 2.0 programme. We will assess the strength, innovation, and potential impact of the proposed pilot—regardless of whether the partnership is new or ongoing. What matters most is the merit of the idea, the value created for both partners, and the potential for scale or replication.

Eligible costs include:

• Artist/partner fees
• Materials and production
• Professional services (design, tech, legal, etc.)
• Travel/logistics related to the prototype
• Equipment or venue hire (if relevant)
• Documentation or media (short videos, photos, reports)

Not eligible: personal loans, debt repayment, full-scale infrastructure, or purely commercial activities unrelated to the prototype.

• You may only be involved in one application per cycle as either the creative or business lead. You may apply again in the following cycle, provided you have submitted the required project reports for any previously funded projects

All successful applicants will:

• Submit a short report and case study (templates will be provided to successful applicants)
• Be featured in BASA media platforms or events
• Develop a basic business plan for scaling the project (templates will be provided to successful applicants)
• Be eligible for consideration in the Acceleration Phase, where additional funding or business development support may be provided.

The EOI is a short proposal submission that gives BASA insight into your idea and partnership. It is the first step in the application process. Selected EOIs will be invited to submit full proposals or attend a pitch clinic to refine their project.

Besides funding, grantees will get:

• Visibility through BASA channels
• Mentoring and support via partner networks
• Access to future investment pipelines
• Participation in the Creative Futures Africa platform

• Call Opens: August 2025
• Submission Deadline: September 2025
• Prototype Period: Oct/Nov 2025 – Feb 2026
• Showcase + Acceleration Opportunity: March–July 2026

• Sign up as a free BASA Creative Member
• Complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) via the online form
• Attend a webinar info session
• If shortlisted, you will be invited to develop a full proposal or attend a pitch clinic