The Mr Price Foundation has opened applications for its Coffee Incubator Programme, a dynamic entrepreneurship development initiative designed exclusively for young Black South African women aged 18 to 34 who are passionate about coffee, hospitality, and business ownership. Selected participants will operate fully branded cafés inside Mr Price Home stores in three key locations: Diep River (Cape Town), Hillcrest (Durban), and Nelspruit Crossing (Mpumalanga). Applications close on 16 January 2026.
This immersive programme offers real-world experience, mentorship, and business support to help young women build sustainable careers as café entrepreneurs.
Operate Your Own Café in Prime Retail Locations
Successful applicants will manage day-to-day operations of a café embedded within a high-traffic Mr Price Home store. Responsibilities include preparing specialty coffee and light refreshments, managing inventory, handling cash, and delivering excellent customer service. Each café serves as a live business laboratory where participants apply entrepreneurial skills in a supportive, real-world environment.
The programme provides access to equipment, initial stock, branding, and operational infrastructure – removing common barriers to entry for first-time business owners.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
The Coffee Incubator is open to Black South African women who meet the following requirements:
- Aged 18 to 34
- Passionate about coffee, hospitality, and entrepreneurship
- Possess basic literacy and numeracy skills
- Available to commit to the full duration of the programme
- Able to attend online training sessions and be physically present at their assigned café location
- Previous experience in coffee or hospitality is an advantage but not required
Applicants must demonstrate motivation, reliability, and a genuine interest in building a business.
Selection Process: From Application to Café Ownership
The selection process is structured to identify the most promising candidates across the three provinces:
- Online Application: Submit via the official portal by 16 January 2026
- Shortlisting: 10–20 candidates per province will be shortlisted
- Development & Assessment Phase: Shortlisted applicants complete foundational training and assessments
- Final Selection: Two participants per province will be chosen to operate cafés in their respective regions
This ensures a fair, transparent, and capability-based selection process.
Comprehensive Support Throughout the Journey
Participants receive end-to-end support, including:
- Barista and café operations training
- Business and financial literacy modules
- Ongoing mentorship from industry professionals and Mr Price Foundation coaches
- Access to performance dashboards and sales tracking tools
- Peer networking opportunities with other young entrepreneurs
The goal is to equip each participant with the confidence, competence, and commercial acumen needed to succeed—whether they continue with the café or launch their own independent venture.
Related opportunity:
How to Apply for the Coffee Incubator
The application process is straightforward. Interested and eligible candidates must submit their applications via the official portal before the deadline. Ensure you provide all required information to be considered for this life-changing opportunity.
Apply here: Foundation Coffee Incubator Application
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