Applications for the 2025 instalment of #YouthStartCT are open until Sunday 16 March. The accelerator programme for start-ups, now in its ninth year, aims to contribute to skills development, innovation and job creation in Cape Town.
The City of Cape Town is inviting young entrepreneurs with established businesses as well as those in the concept or planning phase to apply now.
The competition aims to give entrepreneurs access to developmental opportunities and resources to unlock opportunities for their business and so stimulate job creation. Competition categories this year are Agriculture and farming, Information Technology, Finance and Business Services, Tourism and Manufacturing.
“The #YouthStartCT competition has attracted hundreds of young business owners and would be entrepreneurs since its launch,” said Mayco member for Community Services and Health Francine Higham, “and we hope to see many more entrants exploiting the opportunity this year.
“This flagship youth development programme offers opportunities for new ideas and collaboration between participants, coaching and mentoring, and seed funding for the top performers. Thriving businesses need employees and resources, which opens doors for others seeking employment, and ultimately helps stimulate our local economy.”
How does the competition work?
- The top 100 participants will be selected from the online applications and divided into ideation phase and existing businesses.
- There will be about eight weeks of training and mentoring, and three elimination rounds to whittle down the group from 100 to the top contenders.
- During June this year, the top three existing businesses winners and the top five business ideas will be announced at a gala event.
How can youth apply?
- The competition is open to people aged 18 to 35 until 16 March.
- All applications must be submitted online (at https://www.research.net/r/95FV87N).
- Indicate whether you are entering an existing business or a business idea.
- All applicants will be required to create and upload a short video to communicate their proposal and why they think it will succeed.
- Participants are reminded that the City’s Libraries offer SmartCape computer services for submitting their entries.
