The Jewellery Council of South Africa (JCSA), in partnership with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), is inviting South African jewellery manufacturers to apply for participation in NY NOW Summer 2025, taking place in New York City from 3–5 August 2025.
NY NOW is an international wholesale trade show that draws buyers from across the retail sector, including department stores, independent retailers, e-commerce businesses, museums, and buying groups. Exhibitors are also listed on NY NOW Online, a B2B digital wholesale platform that continues to operate throughout the year.
Support Available Through dtic Funding Schemes
Financial support is available through the dtic’s Sector Specific Assistance Scheme (SSAS), which is aimed at emerging exporters. Companies approved for funding may receive:
- Exhibition costs
- One economy class return flight
- Hotel accommodation (including breakfast and dinner)
- Freight forwarding (subject to budget availability)
Partial or full funding for promotional materials is also available, depending on ownership profile. Entities owned by women, youth or persons with disabilities may qualify for up to R2,000 in support for printed materials. Other applicants may be eligible for 50% of printing costs, up to a maximum of R1,000.
Companies that do not meet the SSAS criteria may apply for EMIA Individual Funding. Guidance on this process is available through the JCSA.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
To qualify for SSAS support, applicants must:
- Be a registered legal entity in South Africa
- Be tax compliant and registered with SARS as an exporter
- Be Black-owned (51% or more), woman-owned, or owned by persons with disabilities, and have a turnover of less than R25 million; or be a qualifying small business under SMME definitions
- Have traded locally for at least 12 months
- Hold a B-BBEE contributor status of Level 4 or better
- Submit reviewed or audited annual financial statements not older than 18 months
- Have appropriate marketing materials, including brochures with high-resolution product images, correct international contact details, and a functioning website
A maximum of 10 companies will be selected to participate in the South African pavilion at the event. Only fully completed applications received by the 15 April 2025 deadline will be considered.
Submission Process
Applications must be submitted in PDF format as individual documents via WeTransfer to admin@annalizevanzyl.co.za and lornal@jewellery.org.za. Documents should follow the naming and ordering instructions provided in the official application checklist.
Only paid-up members of the Jewellery Council of South Africa are eligible to apply. Companies interested in joining the Council should contact Elsa da Silva at elsad@jewellery.org.za.
Additional Participation Details
Exhibitors are responsible for:
- Applying for and securing their own visas
- Covering a hotel credit card hold of approximately R2,500 for incidentals
- Paying any customs duties or taxes not covered under the freight forwarding budget
- Managing all costs related to COVID-19 testing or health requirements as per travel regulation.
An administrative fee of R3,000 per business will be charged to contribute to the cost of banner printing for the shared exhibition stand.
Non-participation after confirmation may result in liability for any costs incurred on behalf of the company. The Jewellery Council has stated that it will not be held responsible for incomplete, incorrect, or fraudulent information submitted by applicants.
Contact for Further Information
Applicants with questions about the process or funding eligibility can contact Lorna Lloyd at 082 456 5558 or lornal@jewellery.org.za.
