Having spent countless hours researching and witnessing the incredible entrepreneurial spirit of South Africans.
I’ve become convinced that even a seemingly modest sum like the Sassa SRD R370 grant can be a catalyst for transformation.
Across the country, I’ve encountered inspiring individuals who have turned this grant into thriving businesses, proving that with passion, resourcefulness, and a dash of creativity, anything is possible.
I’ve seen the tangible impact of these small-scale ventures on both individuals and their communities.
Below are 14 business ideas that can turn your R370 into a launching pad for financial independence and personal fulfilment.
1. Cooked Food Vending
With R370, you can start a culinary adventure by setting up a cooked food vending business.
Invest in fresh, locally sourced ingredients and whip up mouthwatering dishes that cater to the tastes of your community.
From traditional South African delicacies like bunny chow and vetkoek to quick and convenient snacks, the possibilities are endless.
Secure a strategic location with high foot traffic, perhaps near a taxi rank or bus stop, and watch as your flavorful creations attract a loyal clientele.
2. Hair Braiding
If you possess a knack for hairstyling, the R370 grant can unlock a world of potential in the hair braiding industry.
Transform your home into a mini salon or offer mobile services, bringing your expertise directly to clients’ doorsteps.
Invest in quality braiding hair, styling tools, and comfortable seating to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Market your skills through word-of-mouth, social media, and by showcasing your creative braids to friends and family.
3. Sewing/Alterations
For those with a passion for fashion and a flair for needlework, a sewing and alterations business can be a rewarding endeavour.
With R370, you can purchase basic sewing supplies like fabric, threads, needles, and a sewing machine (if you don’t already own one).
Start by offering simple alterations like hemming pants, taking in dresses, or repairing torn garments.
As your skills and confidence grow, you can expand into creating custom-made clothing, school uniforms, or even unique fashion accessories.
4. Tutoring
If you excel in a particular subject or possess a talent for teaching, tutoring can be a fulfilling way to earn income while making a positive impact on others’ lives.
Identify your areas of expertise, whether it’s mathematics, science, languages, or music, and create a tutoring program tailored to students’ needs.
Offer one-on-one sessions or small group classes, either at your home or at a convenient location for your students.
Market your services through local schools, community centres, and online platforms.
The R370 grant can help cover initial expenses like printing educational materials or investing in online tutoring software.
5. Car Washing
With just R370, you can set up a simple yet profitable car washing business.
Invest in essential supplies like buckets, sponges, car shampoo, and microfiber cloths.
Find a strategic location with high visibility and ample parking, like a busy street corner or a parking lot near shops or offices.
Offer basic services like exterior washing and interior cleaning at competitive prices.
As you build a loyal customer base, you can expand your services to include waxing, polishing, and detailing.
6. Cleaning Services
If you have a knack for tidying up and enjoy making spaces spotless, a cleaning service could be your ideal venture.
Use your R370 grant to purchase cleaning supplies like all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, mops, brooms, and dusters.
Start by offering basic cleaning services to friends, family, and neighbours, gradually expanding your reach through word-of-mouth and social media.
As your reputation grows, you can offer specialized services like deep cleaning, post-construction cleaning, or even office cleaning.
7. Selling Homemade Crafts
Do you have a passion for crafting? If so, turn your hobby into a thriving business with your R370 grant.
Invest in materials and tools for your chosen craft, whether it’s jewelry making, knitting, pottery, or painting.
Create unique and high-quality products that showcase your artistic talent and creativity.
Sell your crafts at local markets, craft fairs, or online platforms like Etsy or Facebook Marketplace.
You can also approach local shops and boutiques to see if they’re interested in carrying your products.
8. Growing and Selling Produce
For those with a green thumb and a love for gardening, growing and selling produce can be a rewarding way to utilize your R370 grant.
Start small by cultivating vegetables, herbs, or fruits in your backyard or a community garden.
Choose crops that are in demand in your area and that thrive in your climate. Invest in seeds, seedlings, fertilizer, and basic gardening tools.
Once your harvest is ready, you can sell your fresh produce at local markets, to restaurants, or even set up a roadside stall.
9. Laundry Services
South Africa has a very busy population, laundry can be a chore that many people would gladly outsource.
With your R370, you can set up a basic laundry service from home.
Invest in laundry detergent, fabric softener, and a few drying racks or clotheslines.
Offer affordable wash and fold services, ironing, or even pick-up and delivery options.
Start by spreading the word among your friends, family, and neighbours, and gradually expand your clientele through word-of-mouth recommendations and local advertising.
10. Shoe Repairs and Shinning
With the rising cost of new shoes, shoe repair and maintenance services are in high demand.
Your R370 can be used to purchase basic shoe repair tools like a hammer, pliers, awl, and shoe glue.
Learn the fundamentals of shoe repair through online tutorials or by seeking guidance from experienced cobblers.
Offer services like heel replacement, sole repair, and shoe cleaning.
Set up a small workshop in your home or garage, or offer mobile services to reach customers in their homes or workplaces.
11. Selling Second-Hand Clothing
The second-hand clothing market is booming, offering both affordable fashion choices for consumers and a profitable opportunity for entrepreneurs.
Use your R370 to curate a collection of high-quality, pre-loved clothing items.
Source items from thrift stores, online marketplaces, or even your own closet. Clean and repair any necessary items to ensure they are in good condition.
Sell your curated collection through online platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Instagram, or set up a stall at local markets and flea markets.
12. Waste Collection Services
With the growing awareness of environmental sustainability, waste collection services have become a valuable and profitable venture.
Your R370 grant can be invested in basic tools like gloves, garbage bags, and a wheelbarrow or cart.
Start by offering your services to households, small businesses, or community organizations in your neighbourhood.
You can collect recyclable materials like plastic bottles, cardboard, and glass, as well as general waste.
13. Errand Services
In our fast-paced lives, many people struggle to find time for everyday errands like grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or delivering packages.
This is where your errand service business can step in to fill the gap.
With your R370 grant, invest in a reliable bicycle or scooter for transportation, a smartphone for communication, and a backpack for carrying items.
Start by offering your services to busy professionals, the elderly, or those with limited mobility.
Promote your business through flyers, social media, and word-of-mouth referrals.
14. Gardening/Landscaping
If you have a passion for plants and a knack for creating beautiful outdoor spaces, a gardening or landscaping business could be your calling.
Your R370 grant can be used to purchase basic gardening tools like shovels, rakes, pruning shears, and gardening gloves.
Offer services like lawn mowing, weeding, planting flowers and shrubs, or designing small gardens.
Start by offering your services to friends, family, and neighbours, showcasing your skills and building a portfolio.
As your business grows, you can expand your services to include larger projects like landscaping for businesses or community spaces.