Assistance for young entrepreneurs

Young entrepreneurs play an important role in promoting social change and driving innovation. New products and services created by entrepreneurs can cause a ripple effect and stimulate related businesses or sectors that need to support the new venture. That is why young entrepreneurs are important for stimulating economic growth.

We understand that young entrepreneurs face certain challenges when they want to start their own businesses. Access to funding, education and training, better infrastructure, and networking opportunities are some of the challenges they can face.

Different programmes have been put in place to remove unnecessary challenges and assist young entrepreneurs.  You can contact the following organisations should you need assistance:

Junior Achievement SA (JASA)

For over 38 years JASA’s in-school and out-of-school youth programmes have provided entrepreneurship, financial literacy and workplace readiness training, reaching upwards of 7 000 learners and young adults annually.

Through experiential learning, participants tackle real issues related to starting up and running small businesses, and the Services SETA has accredited 2 premium JASA programmes at NQF Level 4.

Out-of-school youth

The premium Youth Enterprise Development Programme guides 18 to 35 year-olds through the process of establishing sustainable businesses. For 6 months participants attend incubator- style classes, followed by a further 6 months of support and mentorship.

High school

The Enterprise Programme is the flagship offering for Grade 10 and 11 learners, where learners form companies and go through the entire process of starting up businesses and developing products or services, learning about all the aspects of entrepreneurship, as well as financial literacy and life skills. A longer version is the premium Entrepreneurship Academy Programme. There are other shorter entrepreneurial courses, including programmes focussing on addressing environmental issues, financial literacy, career planning and workplace readiness.

Primary school

Programmes aimed at Grade 4 to Grade 7 focus on entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)

The National Youth Development Agency helps create opportunities for youth employment and youth entrepreneurship by developing, funding and supporting effective programmes. The fund was established by the South African Government in response to the high youth unemployment in the country.

NYDA Grant Programme

The NYDA Grant Programme aims to provide young entrepreneurs an opportunity to access both the financial and non-financial business development support to establish their survivalist businesses. 

The programme focusses on youth entrepreneurs who are just starting out and are displaying signs of future potential but not yet fully developed.

Young people interested in accessing the grant programme will have to commit to participate in the NYDA mentorship and voucher programme for a minimum of 2 years.

Please visit their website for more information.

Business Consultancy Services Voucher Programme (BCSVP)

The Business Consultancy Services Voucher Programme (BCSVP) is an NYDA programme that is designed to provide quality business development support to young entrepreneurs.  The programme aims to enhance the young entrepreneur’s participation in the mainstream economy. 

Young entrepreneurs are able to receive one-on-one business development support from professional companies that have the relevant skills and experience that can assist young entrepreneurs in developing their businesses in areas such as marketing, bookkeeping and financial administration, and due diligence. 

You can download the full products and service list on their website as well as finding out more about the qualifying criteria and how to apply.

For more information contact JASA at:
Tel: 011 331 3150
Email: info@jasa.co.za

Western Cape office
Tel: 021 785 6982
Email: emeyer0@telkomsa.net

NYDA Call Centre 0800 52 52 52
NYDA online Enquiry

Physical Address:
Golden Acre
Piazza level
Shop P 18a
Cape Town
8000

Stephen Curry
Tel: 021 415 2040

Jump - Digital Business Support Platform

The Western Cape Government, in partnership with Google and other stakeholders, has developed the JUMP mobile platform to enable entrepreneurs to better their business and access opportunities.

JUMP allows entrepreneurs and SMME’s to have:

• a free business listing on an interactive map;
• find digital applications, tools and online solutions;
• access to JumpCast, a podcast station with helpful content just for entrepreneurs;
• find and contact business support organisations;
• find mentorship; and
• access tender information and opportunities.

Sign up for FREE at www.bizjump.co.za.