#YouthStartCT scores deadline extension
09 March 2025
The competition aims to give young entrepreneurs a boost, with business support and prizes up for grabs for the top contestants. The closing date has been moved to 23 March 2025, to finalise potential additional sponsorship opportunities. Read more below:
The #YouthStartCT Entrepreneurial Challenge is the Community, Arts and Culture Development Department's flagship youth development programme.
It aims to contribute to skills development and innovation in Cape Town, and encourage entrepreneurship.
Now in its ninth year, the competition is open to persons 18 – 35 years of age, with existing businesses or business ideas, across five categories: Agriculture/farming, Manufacturing, Finance and Business Solutions, and Information technology (IT).
Entrants participate in a series of pitching rounds, to determine the top three who then go on to compete for the overall prizes.
A number of partners are already on board to assist with sponsorships, mentoring and other support for contestants, including the V&A Waterfront, ORTSA, Workshop17, SEFDA (previously SEDA) and New Horizon Business Solutions.
The City has solicited interest from more potential partners, hence the deadline extension.
'I spent some time recently with last year's winner, and it was absolutely amazing to hear how this competition has impacted her, both personally and professionally. We have had hundreds of young people come through the doors in the past nine years, some with a business already in motion and others with nothing more than a dream. YouthStart could be just the catalyst to shift your future into high gear, so if you've not done so already, get onto the City's website and submit your entry,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
HOW TO ENTER:
Create a three-minute video explaining your idea, with as much detail as possible.
Upload your video to a public video platform, such as YouTube. Make sure you make a note of the video URL, as you will need to include it in your entry form.
Complete the YouthStartCT entry form.
For more information about the competition, visit the City's website: www.capetown.gov.za/youthstart
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
