Resource
What a funder checks before they read your pitch
Most applications stall on paperwork rather than on the business. This is what is asked for, in roughly the order it is asked, and why each item matters to the person reading it.
The company exists and is in good standing
CIPC registration certificate
Confirms the entity, its directors and its registration number.
SARS tax clearance
A funder will not disburse to a business with an unresolved tax position.
CIPC annual returns up to date
A deregistered company cannot contract, so this is checked early.
Proof of business bank account
Disbursement goes to an account in the company's name, not a personal one.
The numbers hold up
Income statement and balance sheet
The two statements every assessment starts from.
Cash flow, usually 6 to 12 months
Shows whether the business can service what it is asking for.
Bank statements, usually 3 to 6 months
Checked against the statements. Disagreement is the fastest way to lose a reviewer's confidence.
Debtors and creditors ages
Reveals whether revenue is being collected or only invoiced.
The people are who they say
Director identity documents
Standard FICA, and it is checked against the CIPC record.
Proof of address for the business
Also FICA, and often the item that is missing.
Shareholding and any related-party interests
Who benefits, and whether there are competing claims on the business.
The ask is specific
The amount, and what it is for
"Working capital" is weaker than a stated purchase with a quote attached.
How it will be repaid
From which revenue, over what period, with what left over.
Quotes or contracts supporting the amount
Turns an estimate into a figure with evidence behind it.
A guide, not tax or financial advice. Confirm anything that affects a submission against SARS or CIPC, or with your accountant. Last reviewed 2026-10-05.