1. Who qualifies to apply for Informal Sector Stimulus Fund?

Answer: All Botswana Nationals with a valid ID Document (Omang).The applicant must have been operating an informal business as at 31st March 2020, and not employed. In addition only informal businesses registered in the LEA SMME Registration database as at 31st October 2020 qualify to apply.

2. Can a formally employed individual operating an informal business apply for the Informal Sector Stimulus Fund?

Answer: The Fund is a relief support for individuals who are fully dependent on their informal businesses for livelihoods. All formally employed individuals in Government, Parastatals and Private sector operating informal businesses part time are NOT eligible to apply or receive the Informal Sector Stimulus Fund.

3. How much is the Informal Sector Fund?

Answer: All registered and eligible Informal sector business owners will be credited with P1,000.00 once-off grant.

4. How will LEA know if my business is informal or formal?

Answer: During the LEA SMME Registration process, registrants were asked a few questions which determined whether they were formal or informal.

5. Can I go to the nearest LEA branch to inquire about my registration status?

Answer: NO, as part of COVID-19 safety protocols, LEA will notify and invite all registered eligible informal sector businesses through SMS. You can also enquire by emailing isf2020@lea.co.bw

6. What do I do once I receive an SMS notification alerting me of my eligibility?

Answer: You will need to call the LEA office you wish to submit your application at, to set an appointment to go and submit your application at the branch. Admission into the LEA branch will be by appointment only and the proof of eligibility SMS will be required to be admitted on the day of the appointment. Missed appointments will be rescheduled.

7. Can I submit my application by email?

Answer: YES, once you have received a notification by SMS you are free to submit your application online and ensure that you attach all the supporting documentation as detailed in the application form. Applications with incomplete information will not be processed.

8. Where can I access the Informal Sector Fund Application form.

Answer: The application form can be downloaded from the LEA website at www.lea.co.bw

9. How will I know that I have successfully submitted my application by email?

Answer: Once an application is received and checked for completeness, you will receive an acknowledgement email.

10. What is the turnaround time for payments?

Answer: LEA will endeavor to pay all applications submitted with full information in seven (7) working days.

11. What documentation will be required if I were to make follow ups about my application?

Answer: You will need to quote your Identification Number (Omang) and indicate the LEA Office where the application was submitted. You can only follow up after the 7 working days have expired.

12. For informal business with multiple owners, can everyone apply for the Fund?

Answer: NO, the support will only be paid to one (1) of the owners (the one who registered on behalf of other co-owners during the LEA SMME Registration process).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSINDUSTRY SUPPORT FACILITY FOR INFORMAL SECTOR

1. Who qualifies to apply for Informal Sector Stimulus Fund?

Answer: All Botswana Nationals with a valid ID Document (Omang).The applicant must have been operating an informal business as at 31st March 2020, and not employed. In addition only informal businesses registered in the LEA SMME Registration database as at 31st October 2020 qualify to apply.

2. Can a formally employed individual operating an informal business apply for the Informal Sector Stimulus Fund?

Answer: The Fund is a relief support for individuals who are fully dependent on their informal businesses for livelihoods. All formally employed individuals in Government, Parastatals and Private sector operating informal businesses part time are NOT eligible to apply or receive the Informal Sector Stimulus Fund.

3. How much is the Informal Sector Fund?

Answer: All registered and eligible Informal sector business owners will be credited with P1,000.00 once-off grant.

4. How will LEA know if my business is informal or formal?

Answer: During the LEA SMME Registration process, registrants were asked a few questions which determined whether they were formal or informal.

5. Can I go to the nearest LEA branch to inquire about my registration status?

Answer: NO, as part of COVID-19 safety protocols, LEA will notify and invite all registered eligible informal sector businesses through SMS. You can also enquire by emailing isf2020@lea.co.bw

6. What do I do once I receive an SMS notification alerting me of my eligibility?

Answer: You will need to call the LEA office you wish to submit your application at, to set an appointment to go and submit your application at the branch. Admission into the LEA branch will be by appointment only and the proof of eligibility SMS will be required to be admitted on the day of the appointment. Missed appointments will be rescheduled.

7. Can I submit my application by email?

Answer: YES, once you have received a notification by SMS you are free to submit your application online and ensure that you attach all the supporting documentation as detailed in the application form. Applications with incomplete information will not be processed.

8. Where can I access the Informal Sector Fund Application form.

Answer: The application form can be downloaded from the LEA website at www.lea.co.bw

9. How will I know that I have successfully submitted my application by email?

Answer: Once an application is received and checked for completeness, you will receive an acknowledgement email.

10. What is the turnaround time for payments?

Answer: LEA will endeavor to pay all applications submitted with full information in seven (7) working days.

11. What documentation will be required if I were to make follow ups about my application?

Answer: You will need to quote your Identification Number (Omang) and indicate the LEA Office where the application was submitted. You can only follow up after the 7 working days have expired.

12. For informal business with multiple owners, can everyone apply for the Fund?

Answer: NO, the support will only be paid to one (1) of the owners (the one who registered on behalf of other co-owners during the LEA SMME Registration process).