Please note that applications have not yet opened. We encourage you to keep an eye on Absa’s digital platforms and social media channels for updates on application opening dates.

Programme Overview

1.1: What is the Absa (AYEF)?

The Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund is a catalytic programme that supports young South African entrepreneurs with grant funding and hands-on, non-financial support, helping them move early-stage businesses from a working idea to a marketable, sustainable enterprise. The programme is funded by ABSA and implemented by Tshiamo Foundation.

1.2: Why is Absa involved this programme now?

South Africa's youth unemployment rate remains among the highest globally. Absa recognises that sustainable job creation requires investing directly in young entrepreneurs who will, in turn, create employment for others. This programme is part of Absa's broader commitment to empowering South Africa's youth and contributing to their economic participation.

1.3: What makes this fund different from other youth entrepreneurship programmes?

Three elements distinguish AYEF. First, it is a catalytic grant funding award to support youth innovation and entrepreneurship. Second, it includes a direct pathway into Absa's banking ecosystem; AYEF graduates are prepared for Absa Business Banking SME Banking and Enterprise Development. Third, it introduces a Social Impact Payback concept, where funded entrepreneurs voluntarily 'pay it forward' by reinvesting their experience into the ecosystem and creating a multiplier effect.

1.4: Is this a loan or an investment that needs to be repaid?

No. The Fund provides grants, not loans, and takes no equity in your business.  The funding is non-repayable and does not need to be paid back.

The Social Impact Payback is entirely voluntary and is not a repayment mechanism, it is a community reinvestment concept.

Eligibility & Programme Support

2.1: Who is the fund for?

AYEF is created to support young South African entrepreneurs, 18-35 year olds, running early-stage, black-owned businesses, from those with a viable idea or early traction through to established young businesses ready to grow. The programme is for job creators: founders building enterprises that employ others and strengthen their communities.

2.2: What support does the programme provide?

Both financial and non-financial. Financial support comes as conditional grants released in phases against agreed plans. Non-financial support includes one-on-one strategic and founder support, financial management and governance strengthening, leadership and management development, capacity-building across business model, customer discovery and market access, and peer learning within the cohort and the wider Absa entrepreneurship ecosystem.

2.3: How is the programme structured?

The pilot program will support entrepreneurs across three concurrent stages, matched to where each business is:

• Ideation (130 entrepreneurs),

Entrepreneurs are recruited together at intake and placed into the stage that fits their business maturity. The stages run at the same time, not one after another.

Placement into Ideation, Start-up, or Early Growth is confirmed through the selection process, which considers both your readiness as a founder and the maturity of your business.

2.4: What is expected of the selected youth entrepreneur?

Selected entrepreneurs commit to focusing on their business, participating actively, meeting agreed milestones, providing progress updates tied to phased grant releases, and taking part in the Social Impact Payback.

2.5: What is the Social Impact Payback?

Funded entrepreneurs commit to paying opportunity forward, strengthening the ecosystem they came from. This can take the form of mentoring future cohorts, contributing time, skills or resources to local entrepreneurship initiatives, or participating in community and ecosystem-building activities. The aim is for each grant to create a multiplier effect, not a once-off benefit.

Programme Delivery and Impact

3.1: Who is the Tshiamo Foundation?

Tshiamo Foundation is the implementing organization appointed by Absa to deliver the YEF. Tshiamo Foundation is a registered non-profit and part of the Tshiamo Group, alongside Tshiamo Impact Partners. The Foundation provides access to catalytic capital, through early-stage support for selected entrepreneurs.

3.2: What happens at the end of the programme?

Entrepreneurs who progress are supported into next-stage pathways, SME Banking, and development finance channels. The aim is a clear onward route, not a hard stop at programme close.

3.3: How is success measured?

By tangible outcomes: business viability and revenue growth, jobs created, market access, the shift from founder-led delivery to team-based operations, and progression into next-stage growth pathways.

3.4: When and how does one apply?

Applications are now open and will close 31 October 2026. Application details and links will be shared through the Tshiamo Foundation platform.

For any questions or ecosystem partnership opportunities, you can reach us at absayef@tshiamoimpact.com

Context

4.1: How does this programme address South Africa's youth unemployment crisis?

AYEF addresses youth unemployment at its root by creating the conditions for young people to become job creators rather than job seekers. Research consistently shows that supporting early-stage entrepreneurs; particularly with a combination of capital, coaching, and market access, is one of the most effective interventions for job creation. Each supported entrepreneur has the potential to create multiple jobs, creating a multiplier effect.

4.2: How does this programme align with government priorities?

AYEF aligns with South Africa's National Development Plan, the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, and the Department of Small Business Development's priorities for youth entrepreneurship, particularly the National Integrated Small Enterprise Development (NISED) Masterplan. The programme complements government efforts by adding private sector resources, expertise, and market access to the national youth development ecosystem.