Cape Town: The annual entrepreneurial challenge attracted over 700 entries. Out of them 145 young entrepreneurs made the grade to participate in the training programme that will begin on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The sessions will help in sharpening their skills in the lead up to the elimination rounds later in the competition.
The #YouthStartCT class of 2026 was selected from 701 entries. The applications were first screened for eligibility, before a second round of evaluations that considered the feasibility and potential impact of ideas or businesses and whether these are aligned with the objectives of the programme.
This group of 145 includes 68 females and 77 males who either have existing businesses or business ideas, and nearly 40% of them are in the 18-25 age group. Participants have gathered from all corners of the metropole, with the highest representation from Khayelitsha (14), Mitchells Plain (07) and Observatory (05).
All the participants attended an induction session on March 21, 2026 and this Saturday, March 28, 2026 as training started in earnest, that included:
- Structured entrepreneurship training
- Pitch development and presentation opportunities
- Access to mentorship and industry support
- Exposure to valuable networks and partnerships
The participants in each of the two streams will attend three training sessions, which will be followed by three rounds of pitches to determine the top-10 in each category. The top three winners in each stream will be announced at the #YouthStartCT Awards Ceremony in June 2026.
The difference this year is that all participants will complete the training before pitching for a spot in the Top-10 of the two streams (business ideas and existing businesses).
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham stated that the #YouthStartCT challenge is slightly different this year. They are already feeling the impact. By simplifying the entry process and expanding access to the training, they are not only growing participation but also investing in real skills that can lead to income and job creation.
According to Higham, this programme further supports the Community Services and Health Directorate’s broader approach to youth development. It also created pathways into entrepreneurship and economic participation, alongside its sports, recreation and community programmes.
Higham added that they are very excited to see how the competition plays out, but to the training group, grab the opportunity with both hands, make the most of it and good luck for the next two months.