Click here to apply.
Are you a Small, Medium, or Micro Enterprise (SMME) working in the surveying, geomatics, or geospatial industry? Do you want to connect with global leaders, showcase your innovations, and access new markets—but need financial assistance to do so?
The FIG2026 SMME Support Programme offers a limited number of support awards to help qualifying enterprises attend FIG2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. Selected SMMEs will receive financial and platform support to ensure they can participate fully in the congress.
Funding will be limited so it is suggested you look for alternative funding opportunities to avoid disappointment. The applicants will be expected to submit a report on their experiences at the end of the event.
Additional Funding Sources
You are encouraged to supplement your FIG2026 application with applications for support from these reputable funding bodies.
Aubrey Barker Fund
Offers travel grants for students and young professionals attending international surveying-related events.
Geoinformatics Development Fun
Financially supports attendance of recognized conferences in the fields of cartography and geographic information science
https://gissa.org.za/education/bursaries/GEOINFORMATICS_DEVELOPMENT_FUND.doc/view
What Support Is Available?
- Conference Registration Only – Access to all technical sessions and the Welcome Reception
- Registration + Local Travel – Travel assistance within South Africa
- Registration + International Travel – Support for SMMEs from outside South Africa (very limited)
- Exhibition Booth Only – Opportunity to display products/services
- Booth + Travel (Local or International) – Opportunity to display products/services and logistics assistance
Note: Travel support is limited. We strongly encourage co-funding from industry partners or development agencies.
Critical Dates:
- Applications open: 1 September 2025
- Application deadline: 30 November 2025
- Successful applicants notified: 15 January 2026
Who Should Apply?
- Registered SMMEs with an annual turnover under R5 million
- Enterprises operational for 12+ months
- Businesses in geospatial, surveying, engineering, mapping, land governance, or relatedsectors
- Women- or youth-led businesses from disadvantaged backgrounds
- SMMEs with innovative products or services relevant to the Congress themes
Application Requirements
To apply, submit the following by 30 November 2025:
- Completed application
- Motivation Letter (max 300 words)
- Letter of Support (from a client, industry contact, or mentor)
- Valid Tax Clearance Certificate
- Copy of CIPC Registration or equivalent
- Management accounts (last 6 months)
- Letter of Good Standing (from your primary bank)
- Recent passport-style photo of business owner or representative
How Are Applications Evaluated?
All applications will be reviewed by a subcommittee of the FIG2026 Local Organising Committee (LOC), using a standardized rubric. Key evaluation criteria include:
- Relevance of business to geospatial sector
- Demonstrated financial need
- Strength of the motivation and support letters
- Business viability and innovation
- Completion and quality of required documentation
Obligations of Award Recipients
If selected, your enterprise will be required to:
- Actively attend sessions, workshops, and Welcome Reception
- Showcase your business if awarded an exhibition booth
- Submit a Post-Conference Report (2 pages minimum) within 30 days of the Congress, including key takeaways, partnerships formed, and future plans
- Complete a feedback form or survey
- Engage with media or spotlight opportunities if requested
Support Your Application
Strong applications come from SMMEs that are ready to grow, eager to engage, and aligned with the spirit of innovation and inclusion.
We encourage you to seek additional funding from your clients, development organisations, or local SEDA offices.
For more information
Contact: prathiska.rambally@gmail.com