Calling All Young Entrepreneurs: Make Your Mark On Mzanzi Through An Innovative Accelerator Programme

President Cyril Ramaphosa has committed to developing a comprehensive social compact to grow Mzansi’s economy, create jobs and fight poverty within 100 days – this creates an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to be part of this change.

South Africa has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, with 46% of those aged between 15 and 24 without work. However, entrepreneurship is one of the best ways to drive economic development and create jobs. With more than 50% of entrepreneurs being youth, it’s clear the next generation is shaping the future.

Therefore, Fetola, in partnership with FNB, is looking to give aspiring entrepreneurs the business skills they need to succeed through their Youth Start-up Accelerator (YSA). It is designed to help unemployed youths, graduates, matriculants and aspiring entrepreneurs turn innovative ideas into feasible businesses.

“The government has announced many encouraging programmes to increase youth employment, but we believe in empowering youth to create jobs for themselves and their peers. South Africa’s young people are full of potential and innovation, and the YSA programme looks to unleash that,” says Busisiwe Bebeza, Programme Manager: Business Incubation at Fetola.

YSA is a fresh, innovative one-year programme designed to help young aspiring entrepreneurs grow and develop their business ideas – and to turn the tide on youth unemployment while they’re at it. This progamme is calling all hustlers, dreamers and creators, to be one of 100 youth to harness their power to grow Mzansi by growing their business ideas.

YSA is a platform dedicated to connecting and engaging with South African youth start-ups during the critical beginning stages of their businesses. It aims to nurture the next generation of South African movers and shakers, by giving them the skills they need so that their businesses not only survive but thrive.

Mentorship, job shadowing opportunities and skills training will encourage participants to  learn how to think like the best, master their mindset and own their motivation.

“There are numerous challenges facing our young entrepreneurs, but there are also programmes such as YSA that offer targeted and tailor-made solutions to help young

entrepreneurs learn the skills they need to thrive. We know young entrepreneurs has what it takes to become the next generation of economic drivers. By being part of YSA, they have the chance to empower and grow the iKasi economy. It’s time to make growing Mzansi their business.,” adds Bebeza.

Applications run from 16 February to 18 March. For more information, email ysa@fetola.co.za or apply  here.

Application requirements:

(this programme is for you if you are…)

• Between 18 and 35 years old, with a startup or unique idea for starting a business
• Running a black-owned business less than six months old, with a turnover of less than R1 million
• An aspiring youth entrepreneur who is either unemployed or working part-time
• Have the fire and steel needed to make it in business
• Passionate about creating change and willing to learn
• Based in a township, peri-urban or rural area