Allan Gray Makers StartUp Academy 2026 – 8‑Month Incubation for Artisan Entrepreneurs in Technical Trades

The Allan Gray Makers StartUp Academy 2026 is an 8‑month, full‑time incubation programme focused on developing bricklaying, carpentry, electrical and plumbing tradespeople into successful business owners. The Academy offers structured entrepreneurship training, mentoring and practical business support to help aspiring and early‑stage artisan entrepreneurs formalise, launch and grow their own technical enterprises.​

The programme targets three stages of technical entrepreneurs:​

• Pre‑start: Skilled artisans who have not yet started a business.
• Pre‑trading: Those who have started a business but have not yet earned revenue.
• Pre‑profit: Those who have started trading and earned income but are not yet profitable.

Over 8 months (starting mid‑April 2026), participants receive intensive capacity building in business fundamentals (finance, marketing, operations), entrepreneurial mindset and leadership, while also strengthening their trade‑based value proposition and market readiness. The Academy’s goal is to support the start and early growth of viable technical businesses, helping artisans transition from employment or unemployment into sustainable self‑employment and job creation.​

Key features and benefits include:​

• Entrepreneurship training tailored to technical trades.
• Practical business support (coaching, exposure and networks).
• A monthly transport allowance of R3 000 to help participants attend the programme.
• Access to Allan Gray Makers’ broader community, hubs and learning resources in Cape Town (V&A Waterfront) and Johannesburg (Bryanston).

Applications open 3 November and close on 30 January 2026 at 17:00 SAST, with shortlisted candidates undergoing an assessment and interview before final selection and onboarding.​

Countries eligible to apply

The StartUp Academy is run by Allan Gray Makers, a South African initiative, and is delivered in person at locations in Cape Town and Johannesburg.​

• Eligible country:
  • South Africa (applicants must be resident in South Africa and able to attend programme activities at the designated hubs).​

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must first confirm they meet the core requirements:​

• Age:
  • Between 18 and 35 years old.
• Trade focus (relevant technical field):
  • Bricklaying
  • Carpentry
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
• Employment and study status:
  • Unemployed or self‑employed, and not studying full‑time.
• Minimum technical qualifications/experience (one of the following):
  • Qualified bricklayer, carpenter, electrician or plumber with a completed trade test; OR
  • At least 3 years’ work experience in the relevant trade and ready to take the trade test; OR
  • An N2 Certificate and 3 years’ work experience in bricklaying, carpentry, electrical or plumbing.

No prior entrepreneurship experience is required, but a strong interest in starting and growing a trade‑based business is essential. The programme is open to all genders and seeks a diverse and inclusive cohort.​

Documents required for application

Applicants are expected to prepare the following documents before applying:​

• N2 Certificate / National Technical Diploma / Trade Test (if applicable).
• Proof of work experience or service letters confirming years in the trade.
• National Senior Certificate (Matric) – advantageous but not mandatory.
• Certified copy of South African ID.

A functioning email address is required to complete the online application and receive communications; applicants without an email are advised to create one before starting the form.​

Application process and timeline

The application process consists of several steps:​

1. Check eligibility
   • Confirm age, trade, employment status and minimum technical qualification/experience.
2. Prepare documents
   • Gather all certificates, proof of experience, ID copy and (if available) National Senior Certificate.
3. Submit your application (Step 3)
   • Complete and submit the online application form:
     • Primary link: https://agmakers.acceleratorapp.co/apply/program/startupacademy2026application
     • Additional “How to apply” info and link available via:
       https://allangraymakers.co.za/startup-academy/​
4. Complete an assessment (Step 4)
   • Shortlisted candidates receive an online questionnaire via email to assess entrepreneurial readiness.
5. Attend an interview (Step 5)
   • Shortlisted applicants are invited to an interview covering background, motivation, entrepreneurial goals, problem‑solving abilities, interpersonal skills and mindset.
6. Begin onboarding (Step 6)
   • Selected participants are onboarded and start the 8‑month programme in mid‑April 2026.​

For further questions, applicants can consult the FAQ or contact the Allan Gray Makers team via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or email at agmakers@allangillgrayphilanthropies.org.

Click HERE to APPLY.