South Africa’s high level of youth unemployment means that finding opportunities for the youth and leveraging their talents is a crucial step towards securing the future of the country.
This Youth Day lets us celebrate and look into the opportunities that are out there:
Isiqalo Youth Fund empowers Eastern Cape entrepreneurs with over R12 million in support:
The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has made strides in empowering young entrepreneurs through the Isiqalo Youth Fund, an initiative aimed at supporting legally registered, youth-owned businesses across the province.
The fund is part of a broader strategy to foster youth development, promote entrepreneurship, and create sustainable employment opportunities in the province.
Launched in June 2019, the fund forms part of a broader provincial strategy aimed at fostering youth development, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
The fund provides both financial and non-financial support to businesses that are still in the early stages of growth.
To ensure accessibility, the Office of the Premier opens an annual application window, allowing young entrepreneurs to submit their proposals via a dedicated online portal. The call for applications is widely publicised through official websites, social media platforms, and municipal public notice boards across the province.
According to the provincial government, the initiative has already yielded a tangible impact, with a total of 82 youth-owned businesses having been approved for support through the Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Programme during the previous term.
Of these, 22 enterprises have received funding, with over R12 million disbursed. The remaining 60 entrepreneurs have been identified in the programme pipeline and are scheduled to receive financial support during the current financial year.
“In addition to financial support, the initiative will offer business development training, mentorship, and market linkage facilitation to help improve the sustainability and growth potential of the supported enterprises,” the provincial government said.
Efforts are also underway to strengthen the monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to better track the impact of the fund and enhance accountability.
Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, highlighted the province’s commitment to expand the reach and impact of the programme through deeper collaboration with financial institutions and private sector partners.
He added that public awareness campaigns will be intensified to ensure that more young people are informed about the fund and can benefit from the initiative.
“Isiqalo Youth Fund is not just about disbursing money, it is about building a new generation of confident, capable entrepreneurs who can transform their communities.
“Young business owners across the Eastern Cape are urged to stay informed about future application windows by following updates on official government platforms,” Mabuyane said.
Download the Youth Fund Application form here.
Mr Price Foundation launches R3 million fund for young entrepreneurs:
Mr Price Foundation has launched the Bindzu Youth Fund, a national initiative offering youth-owned businesses the chance to access a share of R3m in grant funding, along with coaching and growth support.
Applications for the programme are now open. The fund aims to help young entrepreneurs scale their businesses through a combination of financial support, capacity development, and mentorship.
Targeted support and funding
- Tailored business development support
- Technical assistance
- Online and in-person bootcamp training
- Expert mentorship and coaching
- Opportunity to pitch for additional seed capital
- Access to post-investment support
Businesses will go through a rigorous multiphase selection process. Finalists will receive grant funding and have the opportunity to pitch for additional seed capital and access post-investment support.
Eligibility criteria
To qualify, businesses must meet the following criteria:
- At least 51% youth-owned (ages 18-34)
- At least 51% Black-owned (as defined by the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act)
- Operational for at least 12 months
- Based anywhere in South Africa
- Annual turnover of less than R5 million
Focus on scaling and sustainability
South Africa’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) contribute roughly 40% of GDP and employ more than 60% of the workforce. The Bindzu Youth Fund is intended to support these businesses as catalysts for economic growth.
The Foundation says the fund is designed to strengthen business models, improve leadership, and enable sustainable scaling.
Application details
Applications close on 30 June 2025. Shortlisted businesses will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process.
Young entrepreneurs interested in applying can email uplift@mrpricefoundation.org for more information.
Allan Gray scholarship opens for young entrepreneurs in the making:
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation has opened applications for its 2025 High School Scholarship Programme, aimed at nurturing entrepreneurial talent among young South Africans.
Grade 6 learners from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who show academic excellence and entrepreneurial thinking are encouraged to apply by 15 September 2025.
Developing future entrepreneurs
The scholarship offers selected learners funding to attend top-performing partner high schools, alongside a range of support to develop their entrepreneurial capabilities.
The programme aims to cultivate confident, socially responsible leaders who can contribute solutions to South Africa’s challenges.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be in Grade 6 in 2025
- Be 11 or 12 years old (born in 2013 or 2014)
- Achieve a minimum 70% average in English and Mathematics in Grade 5 end-of-year and Grade 6 mid-year exams
- Be a South African citizen
- Have a household income not exceeding R20,000 per month (including business revenue)
Scholarship benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Tuition and boarding at a partner high school
- Uniform, stationery, textbooks, toiletries and casual clothing
- A monthly allowance
- Support for extra-mural activities
- Mentorship through a programme officer
- Access to an entrepreneurial development programme, including conferences, workshops, speaker events, and an online learning campus
How to apply
Applications can be submitted online at www.allangrayorbis.org or delivered by hand, courier or post to the foundation’s offices in Cape Town or Johannesburg.
The application deadline is 15 September 2025 at 5 pm.
