Application Deadline: March 18th 2022
The Youth Start-Up Accelerator (YSA) Programme is a fresh, innovative one-year programme designed to impact up to 100 young South African entrepreneurs. Run by business growth professionals Fetola, the Programme is a purpose-built response to the challenges facing young South Africans today. Designed to provide aspiring young entrepreneurs with the practical tools to make the leap into business ownership the program addresses critical elements of mindset, risk and the willingness to work outside the comfort zone.
Fetola are proudly partnering with FNB on the programme and we are looking for an individual who is passionate about being of service to others and loves coming up with solutions for problems – for clients, community or even the country. You like a challenge? You want to create your own future and build your own legacy? You want to own your own business?
The Youth Start-up Accelerator is a two-phase online business programme that will give you a practical understanding of business as well as the tools and confidence to turn your business dream into reality.
Requirements
YSA is a hands-on acceleration programme for young business owners who want to refine and define their brands and leadership skills. It’s a space to craft ideas, connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and impart the tools needed to build impactful businesses. YSA is growing young entrepreneurs to grow Mzansi.
- Applicant must be between 18 – 35 years (Preference will be given to applicants between the ages of 18 – 25)
- Has a start-up that has been operational for less than 6 months
- Or unique idea for starting a business
- The business is at least 51% black-owned and managed with an annual turnover not exceeding R1m
- The applicant must not be employed full-time
- Has the passion and resilience needed for business
- Has a desire to create a profitable and sustainable business (not an NGO)
- Preference will be given to applicants based in townships, peri-urban or rural areas
Benefits
- Practical, interactive business skills workshops
• Mindset, mental preparedness and motivation
• A business roadmap template
• Ideation, product development and business model testing
• Mentorship (group and individual)
• Marketing, market-readiness, and brand building
• Peer networks
• Entrepreneurial job shadowing and youth mentors
• Access to data support - Programme Phases:
The Programme has two phases that will rollout as follows:
– Phase 1: 6 months Business Development Support for 100 businesses (April 2022 –
September 2022)
– Phase 2: 6 months Business Development Support for 50 businesses (October 2022 – March
2023)
Phase 1: During this phase you will be testing the market with your idea / start up business.
Phase 2: Only candidates who have shown growth in the programme, leadership and business potential will be invited to proceed to phase 2 to unlock further support.
100 eligible businesses will be selected to participate in the Phase 1.
50 eligible businesses will be selected to participate in the Phase 2.
- Phase One: lays the foundation for success. Builds confidence, identifies & refines opportunities and develops a practical understanding of how to grow a business.
- Phase Two: builds viability, refines the business model and supports the growth of candidates that are ready Digital Access: Phase provides free online access to blended workshops, recorded training material, peer support groups
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Fetola/FNB Youth Start-Up Accelerator (YSA) Programme
