Absa, in partnership with the Tshiamo Foundation, has opened applications for the Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund (AYEF), a catalytic grant funding initiative designed to support young South African entrepreneurs in starting, growing, and sustaining their businesses. This programme addresses the critical financing gap that leaves many early-stage youth-led businesses underserved, despite their vital role in driving job creation and economic growth.
Programme Overview and Purpose
The AYEF is a national programme supporting 165 young South African entrepreneurs over a twelve-month period. It is sector-agnostic and built around three concurrent stages of support, matched to where each business actually is. The programme combines conditional grant funding with hands-on, non-financial support that moves young entrepreneurs from a working idea to a marketable, sustainable enterprise.
Funding and Support Provided
The financial support comes as conditional grants released in phases against agreed plans. The funding is non-repayable, and the Fund takes no equity in the business. Non-financial support includes:
- One-on-one strategic and founder support
- Financial management and governance strengthening
- Leadership and management capability development
- Capacity-building across business model, customer discovery, and market access
- Peer support and learning within the cohort and the wider Absa entrepreneurship ecosystem
Eligibility and Target Entrepreneurs
The Fund is designed for South African entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35, running black-owned businesses. It supports businesses at different stages of development, from early-stage ideas to established enterprises preparing to grow and scale. The programme targets job creators: founders building enterprises that employ others and strengthen their communities.
Programme Stages and Structure
Entrepreneurs are placed into one of three concurrent stages based on business maturity:
- Ideation: For early-stage entrepreneurs with a viable business idea, prototype, or informal trading activity
- Start-up: For businesses demonstrating revenue-generating activity and basic regulatory compliance
- Early Growth: For established young businesses ready to move from founder-led delivery to a team, with deeper capital and strategic support
Related opportunity: TIA SMME Seed Fund Opens for Innovators | Apply Now
Application Process and Timeline
Applications open on 29 September 2026 and close on 31 October 2026 at 23:59. Late applications are not accepted. An information session will be held on 2 October 2026 from 14:00 to 15:00. Screening, assessment, and verification will take place from November to December 2026, with cohort confirmation and onboarding from January to February 2027.
Apply Now: Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund Application
Contact Information
For enquiries, contact absayef@tshiamoimpact.com or visit https://www.absa.africa/absa-youth-entrepreneurship-fund/.
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