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Entrepreneurship Development Programme

Building pathways to sustainable business growth 

South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis demands new pathways to economic participation. With over 40% of young people out of work*, many are choosing to create their own opportunities. Our vision is to empower young entrepreneurs to move beyond survivalist side hustles towards viable businesses that create jobs and drive economic growth.

 

* Stats SA QLFS Q1:2026

Unlocking potential through structured interventions

South African entrepreneurs face significant barriers to success, with only 4% of new businesses reaching maturity. These barriers include limited access to funding, weak business capability, and a lack of mentorship, market exposure and practical experience. We support young changemakers to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape and maximise business growth.

 

We do this through structured interventions that include:

Capacity building
Mentorship and coaching
Bespoke development initiatives
Access to targeted funding
Entrepreneurship Development Impact

For the 2026 Financial Year 

30 March 2025 to 26 March 2026

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Youth entrepreneurs supported
0
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New jobs created
0
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Revenue growth by businesses supported
0 %
Our Entrepreneurship Development Portfolio
Bindzu Youth Fund
A national accelerator for youth-owned businesses. Following a rigorous selection process, finalists benefit from tailored business development and mentorship, including technical assistance, online and in-person bootcamp training, the opportunity to pitch for additional seed capital, and post-investment support.
Funding Readiness Masterclass Series
A national development series delivered online and in person, aimed at equipping local businesses with the practical tools, financial discipline and strategic insight to move from being interested in funding to being structurally prepared, funder-aligned and capital-ready.
Waste Innovation
Challenge
A national development programme designed to support innovators in developing scalable solutions to South Africa’s waste challenges. Following training in areas such as design thinking, product development, waste-to-value business models and circular economy principles, selected businesses benefit from intensive development, mentorship and seed capital.
Foundation Coffee
Incubator
A provincial incubator delivered through three entrepreneurship immersion hubs in Durban, Nelspruit and Cape Town. This 12-month business development opportunity provides candidates with structured, practical exposure to entrepreneurship. Candidates receive tailored development and advisory support through training, mentorship and coaching.
Our Stories
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​​​UpLift ignites start-up spirit  

   56 youth graduated from the Entrepreneurship Development Programme in February.   The programme helps transform business dreams into reality. 

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Partner with us

It’s through collaboration and a strong network of passionate strategic partners that we can make youth entrepreneurship a viable pathway to economic growth. Contact us to discuss partnership opportunities – and let’s build new pathways to brighter days!

Explore partnership opportunities
Our Partners
“The Bindzu Youth Fund was not just a funding competition. It was a genuine investment in me as a founder. I entered as a young woman trying to find my balance and came out with a fully automated business and the confidence to walk into any room and compete with people who have been building businesses for decades. Every element is designed to make the business stronger and the entrepreneur behind it more capable.”
Kamogelo Selepe2026 Bindzu Youth Fund grand winner and founder of ArcaneEdge 
“I had an opportunity to supply my candles to BP stores across the province, but the deferred payment terms required me to buy raw materials upfront. The Bindzu funding allowed me to procure in bulk, eliminating pressure on my cash flow and improving my cost efficiencies. The programme also sharpened my business skills. Every session was in-depth, intentional and explored practical business functions. The impact has truly helped grow my business.”
Makatu Tshivhula Bindzu Youth Fund R30,000 prize winner and founder of The Light Candles
"It is uplifting to see youth taking ownership of their lives and community by doing their best to start businesses from limited resources and creating their own ecosystems in the community. This is the beginning of generational wealth and creating localisation."
Thandeka ZuluNiya Consulting CEO
FAQs

Our programmes support young South African entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 34. To qualify, businesses must have majority Black ownership as defined by the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act and must not exceed an annual turnover of R10 million.

Application windows are programme-specific and are announced through Mr Price Foundation’s official channels, including LinkedIn. Applicants are encouraged to monitor these platforms for updates.

The duration of each programme is determined by its specific design and can range from 3 to 12 months.

Delivery methods differ depending on the programme design and can range from fully online sessions to hybrid delivery and in-person engagements.

Follow this link to become a partner: https://www.mrpricefoundation.org/partners/

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