SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
FUNDING PORTAL
CONNECTING YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS TO OPPORTUNITIES.
YDP SA has curated a comprehensive list of government funding programmes and public agency opportunities to help youth entrepreneurs access grants, blended finance, loans, and business development support across startups, SMMEs, and growth-stage enterprises. Your business journey starts here.
PS:This page is best previewed on n PC
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
_edited.jpg)
YDP SA with accredited partners is launching four core SAQA Occupational Certificates in Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Administration, and AI Software Development. Enhance your training in in demand skills and training with globally recognized and accredited skills in CompTIA and Microsoft to create dually-qualified, job-ready tech professionals. Further enhancing not only your employability but earning potential internationally. Below are links to apply and course overview material.
YDP SA with accredited partners is launching four core SAQA Occupational Certificates in Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Administration, and AI Software Development. Enhance your training in in demand skills and training with globally recognized and accredited skills in CompTIA and Microsoft to create dually-qualified, job-ready tech professionals. Further enhancing not only your employability but earning potential internationally. Below are links to apply and course overview material.
Top Funds for Startups
We have curated 12 government funding programmes available to youth entrepreneurs in South Africa. These opportunities include grants, blended finance, loans, and business development support from agencies including DSBD, sefa, TIA, NYDA, NEF, IDC, dtic, and more. Below are the flagship funds you should apply to first as a startup founder, followed by the full list of 12 opportunities with detailed breakdowns.
SEDFA | Digital Platform
​
OneSEDFA is a new digital platform being developed by the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) to provide entrepreneurs with a secure, real-time channel to track the progress of their funding and business development applications. The platform will serve as a centralized "one-stop" solution designed to streamline processes for businesses.
​
-
Core Focus: Providing entrepreneurs with a secure, real-time channel to track the progress of their funding and business development applications.
-
Target Beneficiaries: All entrepreneurs applying for SEDFA funding and business development support.
-
Key Outcome: Streamline application processes, improve transparency, and enhance decision-making efficiency.
-
Platform Features:
-
End-to-end workflow automation to improve transparency and decision-making.
-
Real-time application tracking via the OneSEDFA digital portal and mobile application.
-
Digitisation and integration of core lending and business support functions with a digital audit trail.
-
AI-powered helpdesk to manage queries and feedback through a unified ticketing system.
-
-
Value Proposition: A new "one-stop" digital platform that simplifies the application and tracking process for all SEDFA funding programmes.
-
(sefa | Blended Finance)
The Youth Challenge Fund (YCF) is a blended finance programme administered by sefa, designed to support youth-owned businesses with a combination of grants and loans. The total budget is R282.7 million, with specific allocations for Technology & Innovation (R84.81m) and Other Products & Services (R197.89m).
-
Core Focus: Providing accessible financing to youth-owned businesses at both startup and growth stages.
-
Target Beneficiaries: Youth entrepreneurs aged 18–35 years with businesses registered with CIPC and 100% South African owned.
-
Key Outcome: Enable youth-owned businesses to access funding, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth.
-
Funding Type: Blended finance (Grant + Loan) – Tech startups get 40% grant / 60% loan; Other sectors get 30% grant / 70% loan; Growth stage gets 20% grant / 80% loan.
-
Funding Amounts: Startups up to R2 million; Growth-stage up to R15 million.
-
Priority Sectors: Technology & Innovation (30% of budget) OR Other Products & Services (70% of budget).
-
Additional Support: Business Development Support (BDS) and mentorship, both pre and post-investment.
-
Application Process: Register on the sefa portal at https://sefa.finfind.co.za.
-
Contact: Helpline 012 748 9600 | Email helpline@sefa.org.za
-
Value Proposition: Tech startups receive the best grant ratio (40% free money). Perfect for software, AI, or hardware ventures.
-
(TIA | Non-repayable Support Package)
The Youth Technology Innovation Fund (YTIF) is offered by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and provides a comprehensive non-repayable support package valued at approximately R560,000 to young innovators. The fund supports youth in turning their ideas into market-ready products.
-
Core Focus: Supporting young innovators and researchers to develop and commercialise their technological innovations.
-
Target Beneficiaries: Individuals, school leavers, students, and researchers aged 18–30 years who are not already funded through TIA's normal process.
-
Key Outcome: Enable youth to protect intellectual property, obtain SABS product certification, and access incubation support to bring products to market.
-
Funding Type: 100% Grant – non-repayable support package.
-
Package Includes: Intellectual Property Protection (up to R150,000), SABS Product Certificate (up to R100,000), TIA Technology Station Services (worth R250,000), Business Coaching (160 hours), Annual Stipend (R60,000 for two years), and up to two years of incubation at recognised TIA partner organisations.
-
Priority Sectors: Health, advanced manufacturing, mining, ICT, energy, industrial biotechnology, agriculture.
-
Application Process: Apply directly through TIA at www.tia.org.za.
-
Contact: Email youth.fund@tia.org.za | Tel 012 472 2701
-
Value Proposition: Includes R100,000 specifically for SABS product certification – a game-changer for product-based startups needing quality marks for retail or export.
-
(NYDA | Grant)
The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Grant Programme provides non-repayable grants to young entrepreneurs from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. The programme also includes free business development services such as business plan development, bookkeeping, and website creation.
-
Core Focus: Providing startup capital and business development support to young entrepreneurs who lack access to traditional funding.
-
Target Beneficiaries: South African citizens aged 18–35 years from historically disadvantaged or low-income backgrounds.
-
Key Outcome: Enable youth to start and grow micro-enterprises, create jobs, and build sustainable livelihoods.
-
Funding Type: Non-repayable grant.
-
Funding Amounts: R1,000 – R200,000 (average grant ~R20,000; maximum R50,000 per recipient per year).
-
Additional Support: Free services including business plan development, bookkeeping, and website creation.
-
Budget Allocation: R1.8 billion allocated to NYDA for the 2026/27 financial year.
-
Application Process: Apply through NYDA offices or www.nyda.gov.za.
-
Value Proposition: The easiest entry point for first-time founders with no collateral – plus free business support services included.
-
SEDFA | Blended Finance
An integrated intervention designed to address South Africa's youth unemployment crisis through enterprise finance and business development support (BDS). The Programme is structured around two coherent pillars, each addressing a distinct stage of the youth enterprise life cycle. While the eligibility criteria, funding instruments, and support intensity differ across pillars, both operate within a unified application window, a common pricing framework, and a single governance structure.-
Core Focus: Addressing South Africa's youth unemployment crisis through enterprise finance and business development support (BDS) across two distinct stages of the youth enterprise life cycle.
-
Target Beneficiaries: Youth-owned enterprises at different stages, with specific criteria per pillar:
-
Pillar 1 – Youth Business Expansion Programme (YBEP): Registered enterprises with at least 70% youth ownership and at least 51% youth management, with the Qualifying Youth aged 18 to 35 (inclusive) at the date of application. Minimum trading history of 24 months supported by management accounts or audited/reviewed financial statements. Tax-compliant with SARS and registered with CIPC, UIF (if employing), and where applicable, sector regulators. Operating in, or transitioning into, a designated sunrise sector.
-
Pillar 2 – Youth Startup Programme (YSP): Newly registered enterprises (less than 24 months trading) or pre-revenue ventures with a fully validated concept. Minimum 70% youth ownership and active youth involvement in day-to-day management, with the Qualifying Youth aged 18 to 35 (inclusive) at the date of application. CIPC and SARS registered (or willing to register within 30 days of approval). Operating in, or entering, a designated sunrise sector. Evidence of market validation required: pilot customers, letters of intent, signed offtake agreements, working prototype, or equivalent.
-
-
Key Outcome: Enable youth-owned enterprises to access funding, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth while addressing the early-stage funding gap that has historically excluded young entrepreneurs from formal finance.
-
Funding Type: Blended finance (Grant + Loan).
-
Repayment Terms: Varies per pillar – structured according to business stage and milestone achievement.
-
Priority Sectors: Designated sunrise sectors.
-
Application Process: Through SEDFA channels.
-
Value Proposition: A comprehensive two-pillar programme addressing both early-stage startups and scaling enterprises. Deliberately fills the early-stage funding gap that has historically excluded young entrepreneurs from formal finance.
-
Fortune favours the bold.
B E L I E V E
NEF | Debt & Equity
​
The National Empowerment Fund (NEF) provides debt and equity financing ranging from R250,000 to R75 million to black-owned businesses. Youth-owned enterprises are prioritised across multiple sectors, and the NEF has approved over R26.6 billion in transformation funding.
​
-
Core Focus: Promoting and facilitating black economic participation through financial and non-financial support.
-
Target Beneficiaries: Minimum 51% black-owned businesses. Youth, women, and community-owned enterprises are prioritised.
-
Key Outcome: Enable black-owned businesses to access capital, grow operations, and contribute to economic transformation.
-
Funding Type: Blended finance – loans, equity, and quasi-equity financing.
-
Funding Amounts: R250,000 – R75 million.
-
Repayment Terms: Repayable – loans require repayment; equity requires return on investment.
-
Priority Sectors: Manufacturing, agro-processing, tourism, hospitality, energy, green industries, property, retail, financial services, transportation, logistics, media, and creative arts.
-
Products: uMnotho Fund (flagship – loans and equity), iMbewu (startup support), Acquisition Finance, Expansion Capital.
-
Application Process: Apply directly through NEF at www.nefcorp.co.za.
-
Value Proposition: The flagship fund for scaling startups with proven traction needing large capital injections to expand.
-
TREP | Grant
​
The Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP) is a grant funding programme aimed at bringing township and rural enterprises into the mainstream economy. The total budget for 2026/27 is R710 million, and the funding ceiling has been increased from R1 million to R3 million per business.
​
-
Core Focus: Supporting township and rural enterprises to formalise, grow, and enter the mainstream economy.
-
Target Beneficiaries: Township and rural-based enterprises. Youth-owned startups operating in underserved communities are the primary target.
-
Key Outcome: Transition informal businesses (spaza shops, hair salons, panel beaters) into formal, scalable enterprises.
-
Funding Type: Non-repayable grant.
-
Funding Amounts: Up to R3 million per business (increased from R1 million).
-
Budget Allocation: R710 million for 2026/27.
-
Application Process: Apply through DSBD channels.
-
Value Proposition: The best option for startups transitioning from the informal sector into formal businesses – with a massive increase in the funding ceiling.
-
SAB Foundation | Grant & Interest-Free Loans
​
The SAB Foundation has deployed over R668 million in support, including R409 million in grants, R214 million in business development support, and R45 million in interest-free loans. The Social Innovation & Disability Empowerment Awards offer between R300,000 and R1.3 million.
​
-
Core Focus: Supporting social innovation and entrepreneurship that addresses systemic barriers faced by vulnerable and underserved communities.
-
Target Beneficiaries: Women, youth, people in rural areas, and persons with disabilities.
-
Key Outcome: Enable early-stage social innovations to scale and address community challenges.
-
Funding Type: Grants (non-repayable) and interest-free loans.
-
Funding Amounts: R300,000 – R1.3 million (Social Innovation & Disability Empowerment Awards).
-
Additional Support: Tholoana Enterprise Programme for entrepreneurial skills development, mentorship, access to markets, finance, and practical business tools.
-
Application Process: Apply through SAB Foundation channels.
-
Value Proposition: If your startup solves a social problem (clean water, education tech, assistive devices), this foundation offers cash, mentorship, and market access.
-
PES | Project-based Grant
​
The Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) is a national initiative designed to create employment and livelihood opportunities for young South Africans. Backed by a R3.3 billion budget for 2026, the programme has created over 2.5 million work and livelihood opportunities since 2020. The programme focuses on arts, culture, and creative sectors.
​
-
Core Focus: Creating work and livelihood opportunities through project-based funding in the arts, culture, and creative industries.
-
Target Beneficiaries: Project-based organisations, collectives, and individuals in the arts, culture, and creative sectors.
-
Key Outcome: Create employment opportunities (40–70 jobs per project) while supporting the cultural and creative economy.
-
Funding Type: Project-based grant – non-repayable.
-
Funding Amounts: Up to R800,000 for major projects (must create at least 70 jobs); Up to R500,000 for medium-scale projects (must create at least 40 jobs).
-
Priority Sectors: Arts, culture, creative industries, heritage projects.
-
Application Process: Open for specific calls (e.g., PESP 7 closed 29 May 2026). Check for ongoing calls.
-
Value Proposition: If your startup is a creative agency, music production house, or heritage project, this is your fund.
-
IDC | Enterprise Support
​
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has committed R95 million to place 7,000 young people into productive economic activity through youth employment and innovation projects. The IDC also approved R26.6 billion in transformation funding in 2024/25.
​
-
Core Focus: Driving youth employment and innovation through enterprise support and funding.
-
Target Beneficiaries: Youth-owned businesses where entrepreneurs have managerial control and provide strategic leadership.
-
Key Outcome: Place 7,000 young people into productive economic activity through job creation and enterprise support.
-
Funding Type: Enterprise support and employment funding – terms vary per specific deal structure.
-
Additional Focus: Supports SMMEs, youth, and the township economy to drive job creation, economic inclusivity, and innovation.
-
Application Process: Apply through IDC channels at www.idc.co.za.
-
Value Proposition: Ideal for startups with a clear job-creation roadmap wanting to scale their workforce.
-
SEDFA | Blended Finance
​
An integrated intervention designed to address South Africa's youth unemployment crisis through enterprise finance and business development support (BDS). The Programme is structured around two coherent pillars, each addressing a distinct stage of the youth enterprise life cycle. While the eligibility criteria, funding instruments, and support intensity differ across pillars, both operate within a unified application window, a common pricing framework, and a single governance structure.
​
-
Core Focus: Addressing South Africa's youth unemployment crisis through enterprise finance and business development support (BDS) across two distinct stages of the youth enterprise life cycle.
-
Target Beneficiaries: Youth-owned enterprises at different stages, with specific criteria per pillar:
-
Pillar 1 – Youth Business Expansion Programme (YBEP): Registered enterprises with at least 70% youth ownership and at least 51% youth management, with the Qualifying Youth aged 18 to 35 (inclusive) at the date of application. Minimum trading history of 24 months supported by management accounts or audited/reviewed financial statements. Tax-compliant with SARS and registered with CIPC, UIF (if employing), and where applicable, sector regulators. Operating in, or transitioning into, a designated sunrise sector.
-
Pillar 2 – Youth Startup Programme (YSP): Newly registered enterprises (less than 24 months trading) or pre-revenue ventures with a fully validated concept. Minimum 70% youth ownership and active youth involvement in day-to-day management, with the Qualifying Youth aged 18 to 35 (inclusive) at the date of application. CIPC and SARS registered (or willing to register within 30 days of approval). Operating in, or entering, a designated sunrise sector. Evidence of market validation required: pilot customers, letters of intent, signed offtake agreements, working prototype, or equivalent.
-
-
Key Outcome: Enable youth-owned enterprises to access funding, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth while addressing the early-stage funding gap that has historically excluded young entrepreneurs from formal finance.
-
Funding Type: Blended finance (Grant + Loan).
-
Repayment Terms: Varies per pillar – structured according to business stage and milestone achievement.
-
Priority Sectors: Designated sunrise sectors.
-
Application Process: Through SEDFA channels.
-
Value Proposition: A comprehensive two-pillar programme addressing both early-stage startups and scaling enterprises. Deliberately fills the early-stage funding gap that has historically excluded young entrepreneurs from formal finance.
-
SEDFA | Debt / Loans
​
The SEDFA Youth Entrepreneurship Fund provides debt financing in the form of loans to youth-owned businesses. The fund prioritises youth, women, black-owned businesses, people with disabilities, and businesses in rural areas or townships. The fund offers micro-loans to several million Rands.
​
-
Core Focus: Providing accessible loan financing to youth-owned businesses that struggle to access traditional bank financing.
-
Target Beneficiaries: Youth-owned businesses (owners aged 18–35), with prioritisation for youth, women, black-owned businesses, people with disabilities, rural/township businesses, and co-operatives.
-
Key Outcome: Enable youth to access working capital, asset finance, and expansion funding to grow their businesses.
-
Funding Type: Debt finance (loans) – repayable with interest negotiated over an agreed period.
-
Funding Amounts: Micro-loans (a few thousand Rands) to several million Rands (maximum R15 million per business).
-
Eligible Costs: Start-up costs, asset finance (equipment, machinery, vehicles), working capital, expansion projects, franchise fees, building renovations, technology acquisition.
-
Priority Sectors: Manufacturing, agriculture and agro-processing, construction, retail and wholesale, services (tourism, hospitality), green economy/renewable energy, transport, ICT.
-
Application Process: Apply through SEDFA channels.
-
Value Proposition: Runs parallel to Peo Pele. If your startup requires expensive equipment (bakery ovens, farming tractors, printing presses), this is your fund.
-
SAB Foundation | Grant & Interest-Free Loans
​
The SAB Foundation has deployed over R668 million in support, including R409 million in grants, R214 million in business development support, and R45 million in interest-free loans. The Social Innovation & Disability Empowerment Awards offer between R300,000 and R1.3 million.
​
-
Core Focus: Supporting social innovation and entrepreneurship that addresses systemic barriers faced by vulnerable and underserved communities.
-
Target Beneficiaries: Women, youth, people in rural areas, and persons with disabilities.
-
Key Outcome: Enable early-stage social innovations to scale and address community challenges.
-
Funding Type: Grants (non-repayable) and interest-free loans.
-
Funding Amounts: R300,000 – R1.3 million (Social Innovation & Disability Empowerment Awards).
-
Additional Support: Tholoana Enterprise Programme for entrepreneurial skills development, mentorship, access to markets, finance, and practical business tools.
-
Application Process: Apply through SAB Foundation channels.
-
Value Proposition: If your startup solves a social problem (clean water, education tech, assistive devices), this foundation offers cash, mentorship, and market access.
-
DSBD / SEDFA | Blended Finance
​
The government has launched the Peo Pele Youth Fund to assist young entrepreneurs overcome barriers to funding and business support. Speaking at the launch in QwaQwa, Free State, Small Business Development Minister Stella Tembisa Ndabeni said the R300-million fund will support youth-owned businesses at different stages of growth through the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA). The programme's impact will be reviewed after six months. The initiative commemorates 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprising and aims to create meaningful economic opportunities for SMMEs.
​
-
Core Focus: Supporting youth-owned enterprises from start-ups to growing enterprises with accessible financing and integrated business development support.
-
Target Beneficiaries: Youth entrepreneurs aged 18–35 years. Majority youth-owned with at least 51% youth shareholder/s. Registered with Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and prepared to register with SARS and UIF.
-
Key Outcome: Improve access to funding, strengthen business support, and boost township and rural economies through youth entrepreneurship. The programme is projected to create or sustain approximately 1,500 jobs over three years.
-
Funding Type: Blended finance with concessionary funding (Grant + Loan).
-
Repayment Terms: Includes a capital repayment moratorium of up to 12 months, providing businesses with additional time to establish themselves before repayments begin.
-
Priority Sectors: Digital technologies, green economy, agri-tech, advanced manufacturing, health and biotechnology, creative industries, blue economy, circular economy.
-
Additional Support: Successful applicants may benefit from training programmes, mentorship, business advisory services, and market access.
-
Long-Term Investment: Over the next three years, government plans to invest approximately R900 million through the fund, with around 750 youth-owned enterprises expected to benefit.
-
Application Process: Applications are submitted through SEDFA channels. Applications are now open and will remain open for two months.
-
Value Proposition: Newly launched flagship fund with a R300 million initial pool, a 6-month impact review, and a three-year R900 million commitment – making it a priority for first-time founders and growing youth-owned enterprises.
-
YDP SA with accredited partners is launching four core SAQA Occupational Certificates in Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Administration, and AI Software Development. Enhance your training in in demand skills and training with globally recognized and accredited skills in CompTIA and Microsoft to create dually-qualified, job-ready tech professionals. Further enhancing not only your employability but earning potential internationally. Below are links to apply and course overview material.
Scroll to view all above featured Funding Opportunities
CLICK ON TITLES FOR MORE INFO
.png)
.png)
GET COMPLIANT
Business Growth Initiatives
CIPC Business Registration & Compliance
A free, virtual training platform designed to help entrepreneurs build the capacity to run successful companies while ensuring compliance with the Companies Act. Register your business and complete the Learn-i-Biz course to build a solid foundation. Click the image for a comprehensive guideline.
SARS Tax Compliance & Financial Readiness
A structured approach to ensuring your business is tax-compliant and financially ready to access funding opportunities. Register with SARS and obtain your tax clearance certificate to become investment-ready. Click the image below for a comprehensive guideline.
Companies that trust us, scroll left.
.png)
.png)
step to THE BUSINESS GROWTH & SCALING FRAMEWORK
Register Your Business (CIPC & SARS)
​
Formalise your structure by registering with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) via BizPortal. Choose your business structure (Pty Ltd, Co-operative, etc.), reserve your company name, and complete the online registration. Then register with SARS for tax compliance — obtain your tax clearance certificate, register for income tax, and if you employ staff, register for PAYE, UIF, and SDL.
03
05
Secure Funding
​
With your business registered, tax-compliant, and systems in place, apply for funding from the 13+ opportunities listed in this portal — including grants, blended finance, and loans from DSBD, SEDFA, sefa, TIA, NYDA, NEF, IDC, and others.
06
Scale Your Business
​
Transition from being a business owner to an entrepreneur — focus on replicating success through partnerships, franchising, or expanded distribution. Protect your brand with trademarks and intellectual property, and step back from daily operations to focus on long-term growth and vision.
Build Your Founding Team
​
Assemble a small, trusted inner circle of employees or partners who share your vision. Document your processes and standard operating procedures (SOPs) so they exist outside of your head — this is the foundation of a business that can run without you.
02
Validate Your Business Idea
​
Test your concept with real customers before investing time and money. Secure letters of intent, pilot customers, or a working prototype to prove there is genuine demand for your product or service.
01
Build Systems & Financial Pipelines
​
Learn how to build scalable systems using proven frameworks from Acquisition.com — focus on offer structuring, customer acquisition, and operational efficiency.
04
BELIEVE YOU CAN AND YOU ARE HALFWAY THERE
