SMEs are essential to the economic fabric of every country, yet they often struggle to secure the affordable financing necessary to expand their businesses and seize new opportunities. Despite varying specifics across businesses, several common barriers hinder SMEs access to finance. These include a lack of collateral, insufficient auditable financial history, unreliable data, and gaps in financial literacy. Furthermore, the informal nature of many SMEs and the rapid evolution of the digital economy compound these challenges. While digital advancements offer new financing opportunities, they also demand greater financial and digital proficiency, highlighting the ongoing relevance of traditional financial solutions to support SMEs growth and integration into the digital era. In South Africa, a mere 33 percent of businesses report having access to credit, underscoring a significant obstacle to SMEs growth. This policy brief advocates for strategies to enhance the sustainability of SMEs in South Africa by improving their access to formal financial services. Drawing on successful policies from other emerging markets, this policy brief suggests adaptable strategies to boost financial inclusion for South African SMEs. These strategies aim to bridge the structural gaps that limit SME growth and enable them to fully leverage both traditional and digital financial avenues.