#YouthStartCT attracts record 700+ entries in its 10th edition
26 March 2026
The annual entrepreneurial challenge attracted just over 700 entries this year - 145 of those young entrepreneurs made the grade to participate in the training programme starting this Saturday, 28 March. The sessions will help sharpen their skills in the lead up to the elimination rounds later in the competition.
The #YouthStartCT class of 2026 was selected from 701 entries.
Applications were first screened for eligibility, before a second round of evaluations that considered the feasibility and potential impact of ideas and/or businesses, and whether these aligned with the programme’s objectives.
The group of 145 includes 68 females and 77 males who either have existing businesses or business ideas, and nearly 40% of them are in the 18 – 25 age group.
Participants are from all corners of the metropole – with the highest representation from Khayelitsha (14), Mitchells Plain (seven) and Observatory (five).
They attended an induction session on 21 March 2026, and this Saturday, 28 March 2026, training starts in earnest, including:
- Structured entrepreneurship training
- Pitch development and presentation opportunities
- Access to mentorship and industry support
- Exposure to valuable networks and partnerships
Participants in each of the two streams will attend three training sessions, followed by three rounds of pitches to determine the top 10 in each category.
The top three winners in each stream will be announced at the #YouthStartCT Awards Ceremony in June 2026.
The difference this year is that all participants will complete the training before pitching for a spot in the Top 10 of the two streams (business ideas and existing businesses).
‘The #YouthstartCT challenge is slightly different this year, and we’re already feeling the impact. By simplifying the entry process and expanding access to training, we’re not only growing participation, but investing in real skills that can lead to income and job creation.
‘This programme supports the Community Services and Health Directorate’s broader approach to youth development by creating pathways into entrepreneurship and economic participation, alongside its sports, recreation and community programmes. I am very excited to see how the competition plays out, but to our training group, grab the opportunity with both hands, make the most of it, and good luck for the next two months,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
Prizes and support
The winners will receive:
- Seed Funding
- Company Registration Support
- Compliance Assistance
- Exposure to Networking Opportunities within the entrepreneurial ecosystem
- Provision of data for participation in virtual networking sessions
Caption 1: #YouthstartCT Challenge 2025 winner, Rashaad Sambaba
Caption 2 & 3: The #YouthstartCT class of 2026 at their induction session
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
