South Africans help each other. It sits deep in how our communities work. If you know business owners who want fast access to capital, you can support them and earn extra income at the same time. Merchant Capital’s Affiliate Programme turns everyday networks into real opportunity. You introduce a business owner to a funding partner that understands SMEs, and you earn a commission when that business receives funding. Simple, fair, and grounded in real relationships.
How does it work? And why do it? We’ve broken it down into clear, easy steps on how you can use your network with purpose, create extra income on the side, and support small businesses across the country.
Skip the queue: I want to partner
Why this referral opportunity suits ordinary South Africans
Access to funding often feels out of reach for small businesses. Bank queues, mountains of paperwork and long delays make owners feel stuck. Merchant Capital solves this gap with fast, flexible business funding that fits the needs of real South African businesses. No collateral, no slow approvals and no complicated barriers.
Many business owners want this kind of support.
They want quick access to capital that isn’t a personal loan, so they can buy stock, fix equipment, cover a short cash-flow dip or grab a growth moment without stress. This creates a natural opportunity for you.
When you point a business owner to a solution that helps them grow, not only do you help them, you earn a commission too.
You don’t need a finance background. You don’t need specialist knowledge. You just need a network, your network, the one you already have.
Learn more: How to Build a Referral Business with Merchant Capital
How the Merchant Capital Affiliate Programme works
Merchant Capital’s Affiliate Programme suits people who already deal with SMEs or who move in spaces where business owners operate. That can include accountants, suppliers, advisors, digital consultants, reps, agents, or anyone with a strong network of people who run small businesses.
Here’s what happens when you join the programme
You refer a business that needs funding.
Merchant Capital assesses the application.
The business receives funding if it qualifies.
You earn a commission.
That’s it. No pressure on your side. No sales targets. No admin to manage. Merchant Capital handles the full process. Your role is simply to guide business owners to a trusted source of business funding.
How to turn your existing network into a steady passive income
You probably know more business owners than you realise
You probably know more business owners than you realise. Think through your own circle:
The restaurant owner who wants new kitchen equipment.
The boutique owner who wants to add a new clothing range.
The manufacturer who wants to pay suppliers on time.
The hair salon owner who wants to upgrade the space.
The hardware store owner who wants more stock before month-end.
All of these are perfect candidates for flexible funding. When you connect them with Merchant Capital, you create a triple benefit: you earn extra income, the business owner gains a flexible solution, and the local economy grows stronger.
Many of our affiliates earn reliable passive income because they sit in natural networks that see ongoing funding needs. Once you see where these opportunities sit, the income becomes consistent.
How to start as an affiliate partner with Merchant Capital
Step 1: Join the Affiliate Programme
You complete the quick online form. Merchant Capital approves suitable partners who have an active SME network.
Step 2: Audit your network
Make a short list of business owners you already know. You only need to know people who run businesses with regular trade. Even small shops or service providers qualify.
Step 3: Start conversations
Ask if they ever face cash-flow pressure or want fast access to capital. Almost every business owner does. No hard-sell required. You already know them, and they know you. Just point them to Merchant Capital as the funding partner that suits SMEs like them.
Step 4: Send your referral
Once they show interest, you give your referral details. Merchant Capital contacts the business and takes the process forward.
Step 5: Earn
When the business receives funding, you receive your commission. Over time, your referrals create a consistent income line.
Why referrals beat cold sales in South Africa
South Africa runs on trust. Business owners depend on people they know rather than strangers with sales scripts. Referrals feel natural because they happen inside real relationships. You don’t push a product. You guide someone toward a solution that actually helps.
That is why referral partners succeed. You offer a warm introduction rather than a cold pitch. You understand your network. You understand the pressures business owners face. And you offer a funding partner that provides fast decisions, flexible repayments and support that feels grounded.
When you refer someone to Merchant Capital, you position yourself as a connector who opens doors for others, not a salesperson.
Who suits the programme?
Is this for you?
Is this for you? If you answer yes to one or more of these questions below, then yes. You’ll make an ideal affiliate partner.
Do I know 50 or more businesses or deal with business owners often?
Do I want a simple way to earn extra income?
Do I value relationships and trust my network?
Do I want to support South African entrepreneurs?
Do I prefer a low-effort, steady income stream?
If yes, then it’s time to sign up. You don’t need to change your job. You don’t need new training. You only need the confidence to introduce a business owner to a trusted funding partner that already supports thousands of SMEs across the country.
Sign up today. Support entrepreneurs. Strengthen your income.
Merchant Capital’s Affiliate Programme gives South Africans like you a fair way to earn extra income while supporting real business growth. One introduction can change the direction of a shop, a salon, a restaurant or a service provider. And you are rewarded for the role you played in that success story.
If you want to use your network with purpose, and make a passive income from it, sign up for Merchant Capital’s Affiliate Programme today. Let’s start your referral path with confidence.
