Business funding for merchants who want to keep moving
Cash flow shouldn’t stand in the way of running or growing your business. Business funding gives merchants access to working capital to cover costs, invest in growth and stay in control, even when expenses don’t line up perfectly with income. Payfast by Network helps South African merchants access options built around real trading activity, not rigid lending rules.
Thousands of South African merchants use Payfast every day to accept payments. Now, that same trading activity can help unlock the capital you need to grow.
What is business funding?
Business funding gives you access to money to support your business operations. It’s used to cover short‑term gaps, fund larger purchases, or unlock growth opportunities without putting unnecessary strain on cash flow.
Unlike traditional lending, modern business funding often looks at how your business trades, including payment volumes and transaction history, instead of relying only on paperwork or long approval processes.
What do merchants use business funding for?
- Buy stock or inventory
- Invest in marketing or new sales channels
- Manage cash flow during busy or quiet trading periods
- Upgrade systems, equipment or technology
- Cover operating costs like rent or suppliers
The goal is simple: give your business room to operate and grow without slowing down.
Funding that fits how your business trades
Many funding options weren’t designed with online merchants in mind. Payfast works with trusted partners to give merchants access to funding options linked to how they accept payments, making funding more practical and relevant to modern businesses.
Different merchant setups need different working capital solutions. That’s why Payfast gives access to two options, based on how you trade through our platform.
How does the process work?
Getting access to funding through Payfast is straightforward:
- Check your eligibility
Your trading history through Payfast is used to determine which funding option applies to you — no lengthy paperwork to start. - Choose the right option for your setup
Depending on whether you’re an aggregation or gateway merchant, you’ll be directed to Easy Advance or Lula Business Funding. - Access your capital
Once approved, funds are made available so you can put them to work in your business without delay.
Merchant funding options available through Payfast
For Aggregation merchants: Easy Advance
Merchants using Payfast through our aggregated payments offering may qualify for Easy Advance in partnership with GoTyme Bank. This option is designed for smaller and growing businesses and is linked to trading activity.
Easy Advance offers a simple way to access capital without complicated applications.
For Gateway merchants: Lula Business Funding
Merchants using Payfast’s gateway solution via Paygate may qualify for Lula Business Funding. This option is suited to more established businesses with custom payment integrations.
Lula offers funding aligned to transaction data and business performance.
Why merchants choose Payfast to access business funding
Merchants trust Payfast because:
- Solutions are designed for South African businesses
- You get access to funding without added complexity
- The process stays clear and merchant‑focused
- Funding options are matched to how you accept payments
Business funding should support your business, not distract from it. Running a business in South Africa comes with its own set of challenges — unpredictable trading cycles, seasonal dips and the constant pressure to stay stocked and operational. Having a funding partner that understands the local merchant landscape makes a real difference.
What to think about before applying for working capital
Before exploring any funding option, it helps to have a clear picture of:
- Why you need the funds — Is it a short-term cash flow gap, or a planned investment in growth?
- How much you need — Borrowing more than necessary can put unnecessary pressure on repayments.
- How repayments work — Some funding options are tied to your transaction volume, which can make repayments more manageable during quieter trading periods.
- Your trading history — A consistent record of payments processed through Payfast strengthens your eligibility.