Seed grant of R50k among prizes on offer at YEEP Africa Ideas & Pitch Challenge bootcamp

The Youth Enterprise Exchange Programme (YEEP) Africa’s YEEP Ideas & Pitch Challenge bootcamp kicks off this Friday (29 November) in Johannesburg. One aspiring entrepreneur stands the chance to take home a R50 000 seed grant.

The challenge is organised in partnership with the UN Association of South Africa (UNA_SA), University of Johannesburg, Junior Achievers South Africa, Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Botswana, Empretec (Zimbabwe), Nest Hubs (Botswana) and Junior Achievers Eswatini.

The challenge is open to aspiring entrepreneurs between the ages of 16 and 30 who are interested in the tourism and hospitality, food and beverages and technology and online business sectors.

The YEEP Ideas & Pitch Challenge bootcamp will see 50 entrepreneurs pitch for a R50 000 seed grant

The initiative aims to promote and develop aspiring startups that have the potential to disrupt the status quo. Eligible countries are Botswana, Lesotho, Kenya, Swaziland, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

YEEP Africa said in a statement last Friday (22 November) that the challenge provides a platform for participants to compete for seed investment, gain market exposure and secure support in the ideation stage.

The bootcamp, which starts on Friday and ends on Sunday (1 December) at Urban Backpackers Art Gallery at Jozi Hub will see 50 finalists pitch for a R50 000 seed grant sponsored by the Wendy Luhabe Foundation.

Additional prizes include six months mentorship and coaching from the International Federation of Coaches.

A judging panel comprised of FNB Joburg Art Fair owner Mandla Sibeko, SlikourONLife managing director Siya Mentane, Zinokwanda Media director Khanyi Magubane, Randburg Chamber of Commerce president Danie Bezuidenhout, WhyToyz founder Petra Rees and Global SDGs Youth Board commissioner of financial literacy and nano economics Mlamuli Mbambo.

The bootcamp will offer participants a unique opportunity to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills through workshops on design thinking, sales, pitching as well as managing and assessing risk.

Attendees will also interact with mentors and coaches, successful entrepreneurs, investors and other like-minded people.

YEEP Africa said over 15 mentors, specialists and experts have volunteered their time to assist the initiative.

Featured image: Participants at a YEEP Africa event (YEEP Africa via Facebook)