JASA runs three programmes encouraging youth entrepreneurship.
EDP is school based and is suitable for learners from Grade 1 to Grade 12. Teachers use games, simulation activities, projects and role-plays to help youngsters develop an understanding of the economy and business.
This programme aims to provide business and life skills training for senior secondary school learners. These skills will help them participate in corporate and industrial employment and/or start their own businesses. Learners are recruited from different cultural backgrounds. After participating in the programme, learners get an opportunity to write the international enterprise exam conducted by the Cambridge University in the United Kingdom.
BESP helps young people who have not finished school and cannot find work. The programme trains youths to set up and sustain their own job opportunities.
counselling and mentoring.
The National Youth Development Agency helps create opportunities for youth employment and youth entrepreneurship by developing, funding and supporting effective programmes. The Fund was established by the South African Government in response to the high youth unemployment in the country.
One of the programmes run by the National Youth Development Agency is the Business Development Support Voucher Programme. A voucher is a document given to selected clients entitling them to buy business support services from approved service providers. The target group for the voucher programme is mainly out-of-school youth between the ages 18 and 35 who require business support services to start or improve their businesses in various sectors, including tourism.
If you want to grow an existing business, you need to own at least 25% of it. You should have some experience in your field of business, and be willing to contribute R200.00 of your own money for the service you need. For help you can contact your closest NYDA branch by searching on the NYDA Branch Locator.
The vouchers are available through allocating agents who screen applicants for compliance with the project's criteria. In the Western Cape, contact Open for Business at 45 Castle Street in the Cape Town city centre, or call them on 021 422 2794.