The Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund is set to close its applications on October 31, 2026, at 23:59. The fund targets South African youth aged 18-35 who are running early-stage, black-owned businesses. This initiative offers conditional grants and business support to eligible young entrepreneurs. The application process is managed by the Tshiamo Foundation, which will oversee the selection and delivery of the program.
To qualify for the Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund, applicants must be South Africans between the ages of 18 and 35. They should be running early-stage, black-owned businesses, including founders with viable ideas and young enterprises ready to grow. The fund provides support in the form of conditional grants paid in phases against agreed plans, alongside mentoring and business-development assistance.
The Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund does not provide loans, and the fund takes no equity in the businesses it supports. This initiative aims to empower young entrepreneurs by providing them with the necessary resources to grow and develop their businesses. The application link is available on Absa's official program page.
The Tshiamo Foundation will manage the delivery and selection of the Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund. The foundation will conduct screening and verification of applications from November to December 2026, followed by cohort confirmation and onboarding in January and February 2027. Applicants should note that applying for the fund does not guarantee selection.
The Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund offers a unique opportunity for young entrepreneurs to access funding and support. The program's structure is designed to provide entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed. By offering conditional grants and business support, the fund aims to make a positive impact on the lives of young entrepreneurs.
The closing date for applications is October 31, 2026, and interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply through the Absa program page. The fund's support includes mentoring and business-development assistance, which will be provided to selected entrepreneurs. This initiative is part of Absa's efforts to support youth entrepreneurship in South Africa.
Key stakeholders, including Absa and the Tshiamo Foundation, are working together to ensure the success of the Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund. The program's impact is expected to be significant, and it has the potential to make a positive difference in the lives of young entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply before the closing date.
Key points
- Applications for the Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund close on October 31, 2026.
- The fund targets South African youth aged 18-35 running early-stage, black-owned businesses.
- Support includes conditional grants and business-development assistance, with no equity taken and no loans provided.
