Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund 2026 (South Africa)
- Country:
- South Africa
- Amount:
- Amount not specified
- Deadline:
- 31 Oct 2026
Funder: Absa CSI Trust
In short
Non-repayable, phased grants plus mentoring and business support for young black South African entrepreneurs.
About this opportunity
The Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund (AYEF) is run by the Tshiamo Foundation for Absa. It offers conditional grants released in phases against agreed plans, with one-on-one founder support, financial management and governance strengthening, leadership development, market access support and peer learning. Placement into Ideation, Start-up or Early Growth is decided during selection. Funded entrepreneurs agree to milestones, progress updates tied to grant releases, and a voluntary Social Impact Payback. Timeline stated on the official page: applications close Saturday 31 October 2026 at 23:59 and late applications are not accepted; screening and verification run November to December 2026; the cohort is confirmed and onboarded January to February 2027. The grant amount, sectors and required documents are not stated on the official page.
Requirements
Aged 18 to 35
South African entrepreneur
Early-stage, black-owned business
Plans to employ others
Also good to have
- Evidence of traction or a validated idea (not stated as required on the official page)
Always confirm on the official page before applying.
How to apply
- 1
Read the official page
Confirm you meet the age, ownership and location rules on the Absa AYEF page.
Open step link - 2
Complete the online form
Fill in the application form linked from the Absa page. Questions can go to absayef@tshiamoimpact.com.
Open step link - 3
Submit before the deadline
Applications close Saturday 31 October 2026 at 23:59. Late applications are not accepted.
Open step link
Documents you will need
- Other
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