Applications are open for the Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund (AYEF), a national programme providing grant funding and business development support to young entrepreneurs in South Africa.
Funded by Absa through its CSI Trust and implemented by Tshiamo Foundation, the programme is designed to help youth-led businesses move from viable ideas and early traction towards sustainable, job-creating enterprises.
AYEF combines access to capital with practical support in areas such as business strategy, financial management, leadership and market access.
What the Programme Offers
Selected entrepreneurs receive both financial and non-financial support.
This includes:
- Conditional grant funding released in phases against agreed milestones
- One-on-one strategic and founder support
- Financial management and governance support
- Leadership and management development
- Business model and customer-development support
- Market access assistance
- Peer learning within the wider Absa entrepreneurship ecosystem
The funding is provided as a grant rather than a loan or equity investment. It is non-repayable, and Absa does not take ownership in participating businesses.
Participants may also progress into pathways linked to Absa Enterprise Development, SME Banking and other development-finance opportunities.
Who Can Apply?
AYEF is open to South African entrepreneurs aged 18–35 running early-stage, black-owned businesses.
Applicants may range from founders with a viable business idea or early traction to established young businesses preparing for growth.
The programme is sector-agnostic and supports entrepreneurs across three stages:
- Ideation: Early businesses developing the foundations of a viable enterprise
- Start-up: Trading businesses ready to formalise and strengthen operations
- Early Growth: Established young businesses preparing to scale beyond founder-led operations
The Fund is particularly focused on entrepreneurs building businesses with the potential to create jobs and strengthen their communities.
What Is Expected of Participants?
Selected entrepreneurs are expected to participate actively in the programme, work towards agreed business milestones and provide progress updates linked to phased grant releases.
AYEF also introduces a voluntary Social Impact Payback model, encouraging supported entrepreneurs to contribute back to the entrepreneurship ecosystem through activities such as mentoring future cohorts, sharing skills or participating in community initiatives.