The Department of Small Business Development invites startups to apply for The Youth Challenge Fund

About the Opportunity

The Youth Challenge Fund (YCF) is a youth start-up support programme intended to stimulate the establishment and growth of youth-owned businesses, promote digital skills, grow the economy and foster job creation.

Eligibility criteria

In line with National Youth Policy, the YCF will be providing support to youth start-up businesses/enterprises who meet the following criteria:

Are between the age of 18 to 35 years.
Registered with CIPC and be prepared to register with SARS & UIF.
100% South African owned.
Are adequately involved in the day-to-day operation and management of the business with at least one or more of the members being full-time employees of the company, especially the majority shareholder or essential personnel/applicant.
Prepared to participate in Business Development Support and mentorship (pre and post).
Commercially viable, sustainable and feasible business idea.

Submission Deadline:

20 December 2021

Please Note:

Upon receipt of the applications, they will be reviewed and completed applications subjected to due diligence exercises by sefa for consideration.
Follow-ups will be made with small enterprises whose funding applications are incomplete to submit the outstanding information.
Small enterprises that require non-financial support are referred to Seda for further handling.