#YouthStartCT applications are open!

16 February 2025

The accelerator programme for start-up entrepreneurs, now in its ninth year, aims to contribute to skills development, innovation and job creation in Cape Town.

Applications for this year's #YouthStartCT are open until March 23, 2025. The city is inviting 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, 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,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.x

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 ±8 weeks of training and mentoring, and three elimination rounds to whittle down the group from 100 to the top contenders
• During June 2025, 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 persons 18 – 35, until 23 March 2025
• All applications must be submitted online here: YouthStartCT 2025 Entry Form Survey (research.net)
•  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 where they can submit their entry if need be
  

Caption: Last year’s winners in the existing businesses category were from left Yanga Ngcayisa, Charnelle Davids and Katlego Montewa. 

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office