Qualifying Small Enterprise (QSE)

Who qualifies as a QSE?

Qualifying Small Enterprise (QSE) is a business with an annual turnover between R10 million and R50 million.


What are the B-BBEE requirements for QSEs?

QSEs must be rated against the five elements of the B-BBEE scorecard unless they are at least 51% Black-owned or 100% Black-owned, in which case they may use a simplified affidavit process.

If 

Black Ownership is:

  • 51% or more: Automatically qualify for Level 2 with an affidavit
  • 100%: Automatically qualify for Level 1 with an affidavit
  • Less than 51%: Must undergo full B-BBEE verification

Scorecard Elements for Full Verification

If not majority Black-owned, QSEs are scored on the following elements:

  1. Ownership
  2. Management Control
  3. Skills Development
  4. Enterprise & Supplier Development
  5. Socio-Economic Development

You are required to comply with all five elements, and priority elements must be met (Ownership, Skills Development, and Enterprise & Supplier Development).


What documents are required?

  • Annual Financial Statements
  • Company registration documents
  • ID copies and ownership records
  • Payroll and employee breakdowns
  • Training records and supplier spend data
  • Evidence for development and social contributions

HIAC will guide you through the documentation checklist and verification process.


Affidavit or Verification Certificate?

  • 51%+ Black-owned QSEs can submit a B-BBEE affidavit
  • Less than 51% Black-owned QSEs must undergo formal verification and receive a certificate
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