Youth Challenge Fund

Eligibility criteria

In line with National Youth Policy, the Youth Challenge Fund will be providing support to youth businesses/enterprises who meet the following criteria:

• Are between the age of 18 to 35 years
• Registered with CIPC and be prepared to register with SARS & UIF
• 100% South African owned
• Are adequately involved in the day-to-day operation and management of the business with at least one or more of the members being a full-time employee of the company, especially the majority shareholder or essential personnel/applicant
• Prepared to participate in Business Development Support and mentorship (pre and post)
• Commercially viable, sustainable and feasible business idea

Exclusions

The following transactions will NOT be considered:

• Funding towards a debt owed by the applicant with another lending institution (existing debt)
• Activities that have already been funded by other government departments or parastatals (double-dipping)
• Government and SOE officials are excluded
• Fall within the gambling, pyramid sales scheme, loan shark and operates illegal activities etc., as guided by credit policy and grant policies
• Have a record of fraud and corruption
• Where the owner/applicant is an un-rehabilitated insolvent

Click here to apply.