Applications for this year’s #YouthStartCT are open until Sunday March 16, and the City of Cape Town is inviting entrepreneurs with established businesses, as well as those in the concept or planning phase, to apply.
The competition, open to persons from ages 18 to 35, aims to give entrepreneurs access to developmental opportunities and resources to unlock opportunities for their business, and so stimulate job creation.
Competition categories this year are Agriculture and farming, Information Technology, Finance and Business Services, Tourism and Manufacturing.
Mayco member for community services and health, Francine Higham, said the #YouthStartCT competition has attracted hundreds of young business owners and would-be entrepreneurs since its launch, and the City hopes to see many more entrants exploiting the opportunity this year.
“This flagship youth development programme offers opportunities for new ideas and collaboration between participants, coaching and mentoring, and seed funding for the top performers. Thriving businesses need employees and resources, which opens doors for others seeking employment, and ultimately helps stimulate our local economy.”
How does the competition work?
- The top 100 participants will be selected from the online applications and divided into ideation phase and existing businesses
- There will be about eight weeks of training and mentoring, and three elimination rounds to whittle down the group from 100 to the top contenders
- During June 2025, the top three existing businesses winners and the top five business ideas will be announced at a gala event
How to apply
- All applications must be submitted online at the
- Indicate whether you are entering an existing business or a business idea
- All applicants will be required to create and upload a short video to communicate their proposal and why they think it will succeed
- Participants are reminded that the City’s Libraries offer SmartCape computer services where they can submit their entry.
