Heartlines Micro-Business Relief Fund – Update

The Heartlines Micro-Business Relief Fund was established to help these micro-businesses rebuild by awarding successful applicants an amount of up to R15,000. Our collaboration with NGOs and faith-based organisations within the Heartlines network has helped identify and verify potential applicants, and these organisations are also helping provide ongoing relational and non-financial support to successful applicants.

We are most grateful for our partnership with Heal Our Land who have a major emergency relief initiative in KwaZulu-Natal (www.healourland.co.za).

Some applicants were directly affected by looting, with their premises being damaged and stock stolen or ruined. Others have experienced supply chain disruptions and reduced clientele as the unrest disrupted their day-to-day business. Grants are awarded in such cases to provide a financial buffer to absorb these business disruptions.

Successful applicants have come from a variety of sectors ranging from eateries and coffee shops, internet cafes, fashion designers and clothes sellers, hair salons, spaza shops, maintenance services and others.

We’re incredibly thankful to have the support of funding partners such as Investec, Heal Our Land, and other companies and individuals – together, they have helped us raise R1,460,000.

We look forward to sharing the recipients’ stories with you over the next few weeks.

For more information, email debbie@heartlines.org.za