The City of Cape Town launches entrepreneurial challenge 

The City of Cape Town’s Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department has launched the #YouthStartCT entrepreneurial competition 2021 on 25 May. The competition provides young entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their business idea and selected participants are provided training and development towards their startup concept.  

The competition aims to support and develop entrepreneurship in Cape Town

Dan Plato, the City of Cape Town’s Executive Mayor comments on the importance of supporting young entrepreneurs and the role that the competition plays in this. 

“Young people are innovative and creative. These ideas only need the right guidance and support to grow and be effective. Innovation is how we create employment and the City of Cape Town supports these efforts to grow businesses and increase employment opportunities. The YouthStartChallenge is another way we are providing a platform and support for innovation, so great ideas can become great businesses.” 

Young applicants which were eligible to apply are aged between 18 and 35. 

The competition takes place in various stages with the first elimination round occurring on 5 June 2021. Only the top 50 participants will be selected to move onto the next round and in the final round, only the top 10 selected entrepreneurs will go head-to-head for first place.

 The winners will be announced on 30 June 2021. 

During the competition, contestants will be provided training to develop their pitch which they will have to present to a panel of esteemed judges. 

According to reports, among the entries, 13 were from entrepreneurs in Khayelitsha, six from Mitchells Plain, five from Philippi, and four from Langa.

Most of the contestants are in their 20s, and the gender split is 58% male and 42% female.

Zahid Badroodien, the City of Cape Town’s Mayco Community Services & Health comments on the entrants for this year’s competition.

“I’m really excited to see what our contestants have up their sleeves. It is always so encouraging to see young people step up with great ideas, wanting to make a positive contribution to society and uplift their communities in the process. What’s even more encouraging is that no matter who walks away with the prizes at the end of the month, there is something to gain from this experience for all concerned.”

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Featured image: The City of Cape Town, (Supplied)