Brief
Absa launches R12 million youth entrepreneurship fund for Black-owned startups
Applications close on 31 October; grants include mentorship and market‑access support.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Absa has opened applications for its R12 million Youth Entrepreneurship Fund, aimed at Black‑owned businesses led by South African entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35. The fund, supported by the Absa CSI Trust and delivered with the Tshiamo Foundation, will accept applications until 31 October 2026.
What the fund offers
Successful applicants will receive grant funding rather than loans, plus mentorship, business‑development support, leadership training, market‑access opportunities and links to broader entrepreneurship networks. The programme also introduces a voluntary “pay‑it‑forward” model where beneficiaries can share knowledge with future entrepreneurs.
What was said
“The fund has been designed in direct response to what young entrepreneurs told us,” said Setlogane Manchidi, managing executive for corporate citizenship at Absa Group, as reported by bizcommunity.com. Shiluba Mawela, director of the Tshiamo Foundation, added that the partnership will combine funding with practical business support and network access.
Key facts
- Absa’s Youth Entrepreneurship Fund totals R12 million. (bizcommunity.com)
- The fund targets Black‑owned businesses led by entrepreneurs aged 18‑35. (bizcommunity.com)
- Applications close on 31 October 2026. (bizcommunity.com)
- Grants include mentorship, business development and market‑access support. (bizcommunity.com)
Sources
- [1] bizcommunity.com — originally reported as “Absa opens applications for R12m youth entrepreneurship fund”
