Youth Entrepreneurship Skills INITIATIVE (YESI)

What is the Youth Entrepreneurship Skills Initiative

The Youth Entrepreneurship Skills Initiative targets 300 entrepreneurs in South Africa, 200 in general businesses and 100 innovation businesses. These entrepreneurs will be selected provincially during the Youth Entrepreneurship Tour.

The Youth Entrepreneurship Skills Initiative (7 Weeks) will offer the entrepreneurs, 6 weeks of masterclasses that are split into different courses.
The Youth Entrepreneurship Skills Initiative was developed in direct response to insights gathered during provincial outreach and youth entrepreneurship tours.
This programme serves as a structured response to close the gap between entrepreneurial potential and practical execution, enabling youth to operate sustainable, compliant, and forward-thinking businesses.

Entrepreneurial Gaps:

Limited Business Skills(entrepreneurs needed structured knowledge)
Lack of Access to organised Knowledge (Demand for guided learning to support real growth in Youth led businesses)
Need for Mindset Development(Support is needed to build innovation thinking and entrepreneurial intent.

Overview

Programme Objective: Empowering young entrepreneurs through sector-specific support and strategic exposure.
Duration: 6-week online programme, Final Masterclass + 1 week in-person Youth Entrepreneurship Week (Johannesburg)

Selection Criteria

South African Citizen( inclusive to ACI; African, Coloured and Indian)
Aged 18-35
Demonstrated commitment and business activity
Willingness to complete full 7-week programme
Must have reliable internet access
Participated in the Youth Entrepreneurship Tour
Completed all survey’s

Categorisation

General Business: Traditional SMEs
Innovative Business: Tech, green economy, social innovation, etc.

Commitment Required

7-Week Online Attendance: Non-negotiable, weekly participation( unless stated with valid reasons in due time)
Indemnity Form: Agreement to travel and attend the Youth Entrepreneurship Week in Johannesburg (transport & accommodation to be covered or clarified)
Code of Conduct: Commitment to professionalism and peer support