Entries open for the 10th #YouthStart Entrepreneurial Challenge
23 January 2026
Young people with bold ideas and business ambitions are invited to apply for the 10th edition of the City of Cape Town’s #YouthStart Entrepreneurial Challenge – a milestone year that brings even more value, skills and opportunities for participants.
Entries for the 2026 edition of the #YouthStart Entrepreneurial Challenge open on Saturday, 24 January 2026 and close on 24 February 2026.
#YouthStart is one of the many ways the City is creating real opportunities for young people - supporting young entrepreneurs and innovators by providing access to skills development, mentorship and business support to kick-start their entrepreneurial ventures and help young people start and grow businesses.
What's new this year
This year, all participants will complete the full training programme before the pitching rounds begin. This means every young person who is selected will walk away with valuable skills, knowledge and networks — not only those who make it to the final stage.
In the past, #Youthstart saw contestants compete weekly for a place in the next round. The new format ensures that everyone benefits from the learning experience, regardless of where they place in the competition.
‘#YouthStart is about more than winning — it’s about unlocking potential. We invite young entrepreneurs with innovative ideas or existing businesses to make use of this opportunity. At the end of the day, everyone wins – not just those in the top three, but every single young person who will be part of the training sessions. So throw your hat into the ring – for knowledge, connections and networking opportunities that might be hard to attain otherwise,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
How #YouthStart works
- Applicants can enter existing businesses or new business ideas.
- They must be between 18 and 35, a South African citizen residing in Cape Town and their business/idea should demonstrate potential for profitability and long-term sustainability.
- 150 participants will be selected from the online registration process and applications will be assessed on innovation, impact and sustainability potential.
#YouthStart timeline
- Entry deadline: 24 February 2026
- Skills training & mentorship: March – April 2026
- Pitching rounds: April – May 2026
- Awards ceremony: End of May 2026
Young people can apply here.
For more information on the challenge please visit the City's website or email YouthStart.CT@capetown.gov.za.
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
