The Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund (AYEF) 2026 is now accepting applications from young South African entrepreneurs running black-owned businesses, with applications scheduled to close on 31 October 2026 at 23:59.
The programme is funded by Absa and delivered by the Tshiamo Foundation. It combines conditional grant funding with business development support, including mentorship, financial management and governance support, leadership development, customer discovery and market-access assistance.
Unlike a conventional business loan, the Fund provides grants and does not take equity in participating businesses. Absa’s published programme information describes AYEf as a national programme supporting entrepreneurs at different stages of business development.
Quick Summary
AYEF is aimed at South African entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 who are building black-owned businesses. The programme is designed to support businesses ranging from viable early-stage ideas through to established businesses with growth ambitions.
Applications opened on 29 September 2026 and close on Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 23:59 according to the current programme timeline supplied for this application cycle.
Applicants can complete the application form online using a mobile phone. An information session is also scheduled for Friday, 2 October 2026 from 14:00 to 15:00.
Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund 2026: What You Need to Know
The Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund is a youth entrepreneurship initiative designed to provide more than capital alone.
The Fund combines grant funding with practical business support intended to help participating entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses, improve their operations and pursue growth opportunities.
Absa’s official programme information says selected entrepreneurs receive support according to the maturity of their businesses, with pathways covering Ideation, Start-up and Early Growth.
The programme is implemented by the Tshiamo Foundation, which manages areas including entrepreneur recruitment, grant administration, mentorship, business development support and impact measurement.
Opportunity Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund (AYEF) |
| Funder | Absa |
| Implementing organisation | Tshiamo Foundation |
| Country | South Africa |
| Target applicants | Young South African entrepreneurs |
| Age | 18–35 years |
| Business ownership | Black-owned businesses |
| Business stage | From viable early-stage ideas to established businesses ready to grow |
| Funding | Conditional grants released against agreed plans |
| Repayment | Grant funding is non-repayable |
| Equity | No equity taken in the business |
| Application opening date | 29 September 2026 |
| Closing date | 31 October 2026 at 23:59 |
| Application method | Online |
| Programme duration | 12 months |
| Information session | 2 October 2026, 14:00–15:00 |
Who Can Apply?
According to the programme information, AYEf is intended for:
- South African entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35.
- Young entrepreneurs running black-owned businesses.
- Founders with businesses ranging from viable ideas and early traction to established businesses preparing for growth.
- Entrepreneurs who are building enterprises with the potential to create employment and strengthen their communities.
Applicants should assess their business honestly before submitting an application. The programme does not appear to be restricted to businesses at one particular development stage; entrepreneurs are placed into a support stage according to the maturity of their business and the selection process.
What the Opportunity Involves
AYEF combines financial support with non-financial business development.
The financial component consists of conditional grants released in phases against agreed plans. The programme does not describe this funding as a conventional loan, and Absa states that the grants do not need to be repaid and that the Fund does not take equity in the business.
Selected entrepreneurs can also receive support in areas such as:
- One-on-one strategic and founder support
- Financial management
- Governance strengthening
- Leadership and management development
- Business-model development
- Customer discovery
- Market access
- Peer learning
- Participation in the wider Absa entrepreneurship ecosystem
This means applicants should consider more than the funding itself. The programme is structured around helping entrepreneurs develop the capabilities needed to operate and grow a sustainable business.
The Three Business Stages
AYEF supports entrepreneurs at different stages of business development.
Ideation
This pathway is intended for early-stage entrepreneurs working to establish the foundations of a viable business.
Start-up
The Start-up stage is for businesses that are already trading and are working towards stronger operations, formalisation and growth.
Early Growth
Early Growth is aimed at established businesses that are ready to move beyond founder-led operations and develop their teams and growth capacity.
Absa says entrepreneurs are recruited together and then placed into the stage that matches their business maturity rather than moving through the three stages sequentially.
What Selected Entrepreneurs Are Expected to Do
Selection comes with participation responsibilities.
Selected entrepreneurs are expected to focus on their businesses, participate actively in the programme, work towards agreed milestones and provide progress information connected to phased grant releases.
Participants are also expected to take part in the programme’s Social Impact Payback concept.
This is not a repayment of the grant. Instead, it is described as a voluntary way for funded entrepreneurs to contribute to the wider entrepreneurship ecosystem through activities such as mentoring future cohorts, sharing skills or contributing to community entrepreneurship initiatives.
Is the Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund a Loan?
No.
The programme’s FAQ states that AYEf provides grants rather than loans, does not take equity in the business and does not require the funding to be repaid.
The Social Impact Payback should also not be confused with a loan repayment obligation. It is described as a voluntary community-reinvestment concept.
What Applicants Should Know Before Applying
Applicants should make sure they understand the difference between official eligibility requirements and general preparation advice.
Official programme information
The published eligibility information identifies the target group as South African entrepreneurs aged 18–35 running black-owned businesses.
Helpful applicant advice
Before completing the form, applicants should be ready to explain their business clearly, including what the business does, the problem it addresses, its current stage and where it is heading.
Applicants should also read the application questions carefully and provide information that accurately reflects their business.
Do not describe an idea as an established business, or claim revenue, customers, employees or growth that the business does not actually have.
What Applicants Should Prepare
The supplied programme information confirms that the application is completed online and that the form is compatible with a mobile phone.
The available information does not specify a complete list of supporting documents that every applicant must submit.
Therefore, applicants should follow the requirements displayed in the official application form rather than assuming that documents such as a CV, ID, company registration certificate or bank statements are automatically required.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted online through the AYEf application form.
Official application route:
Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund application form
Applicants should:
- Open the official application form.
- Read the questions and instructions carefully.
- Provide accurate information about themselves and their business.
- Complete all required sections.
- Review the information before submitting.
- Submit the application before the stated deadline.
The supplied programme information states that one online form can be completed using a mobile phone, which may make the application accessible to entrepreneurs without a computer.
Information Session
An information session is scheduled for Friday, 2 October 2026 from 14:00 to 15:00 for people considering applying.
Applicants can use the session to learn more about the programme before submitting an application.
Join the AYEf information session on Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 333 324 304 035 543 0
Passcode: Kj3nW7Xm
Important Dates
- Applications opened: Tuesday, 29 September 2026
- Information session: Friday, 2 October 2026, 14:00–15:00
- Applications close: Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 23:59
- Late applications: The supplied programme information states that late applications will not be accepted.
- Screening, assessment and verification: November–December 2026
- Cohort confirmation, contracting and onboarding: January–February 2027
What Happens After Applications Close?
The stated programme timeline provides for screening, assessment and verification during November and December 2026.
The cohort is then scheduled to be confirmed, contracted and onboarded during January and February 2027.
Applicants should therefore understand that submitting an application does not mean automatic selection. The programme includes a screening and assessment process before the final cohort is confirmed.
Why This Fund May Be Relevant to Young Entrepreneurs
AYEF is structured around a combination of funding and business development support, rather than providing capital in isolation.
For entrepreneurs who meet the eligibility requirements, the programme offers an opportunity to work on areas such as financial management, governance, leadership, customer development and market access alongside the funding component.
Absa’s official programme page also describes pathways beyond the programme, including potential progression into enterprise development, SME banking and development-finance channels for entrepreneurs who progress.
The programme is part of Absa’s broader youth entrepreneurship and economic-participation work. Absa’s CSI Trust describes entrepreneurship as one of the areas within its youth-focused strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund?
The programme is aimed at South African entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 who are running black-owned businesses, from viable early-stage ideas through to established businesses preparing for growth.
Is the AYEf funding a loan?
No. The programme states that the funding is provided as grants rather than loans and that the grants do not need to be repaid. No equity is taken in the business.
When does the AYEf application close?
Applications close on 31 October 2026 at 23:59, according to the current programme timeline supplied for this application cycle.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the AYEf application form. The supplied information states that the form is compatible with a mobile phone.
How much funding will each entrepreneur receive?
The available official information does not specify an individual grant amount. Funding is described as conditional grants released in phases against agreed plans.
Does applying guarantee selection?
No. Applications are subject to screening, assessment and verification before the cohort is confirmed.
Final Reminder
Young entrepreneurs considering AYEf should check the eligibility requirements carefully and complete the official application form with accurate business information.
The key deadline is 31 October 2026 at 23:59, and the supplied programme information states that late applications will not be accepted.
For enquiries, the programme provides the email address absayef@tshiamoimpact.com.
The Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund is funded by Absa and implemented by Tshiamo Foundation. Absa’s official programme information confirms the Fund’s focus on grant funding, business development support and different pathways based on business maturity.
Official Source
Absa Group — Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund
Absa Group
Official Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund page
Application form:
Official AYEf application form supplied for this application cycle
Implementing organisation: Tshiamo Foundation.
Last Checked Date
1 October 2026
The current date-specific application timeline and information-session details are based on the programme information supplied for this article. Absa’s published AYEf page was also checked for programme structure, eligibility, grant model and implementation details
Author/Updated Information
Written by: Mbalizuke Nkosi
Published: 1 October 2026
Updated: 1 October 2026
Information checked: 1 October 2026
Mbalizuke Nkosi is the editorial voice behind YouthScope.co.za, a South African youth-focused platform dedicated to providing reliable information on opportunities, education, and career development. The platform serves students, graduates, job seekers, and young professionals by delivering accurate, timely, and easy-to-understand content.
Through informative and professionally curated content, YouthScope.co.za aims to equip young people with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their education and future careers.
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