YCF Start-up Support Programme 2025/2026 | How To Apply

Youth Challenge Fund (YCF) application form 2025/2026 | How to apply.

Below, are the details on Youth Challenge Fund (YCF) application form 2025/2026, requirements, eligibility,  qualifications needed, application guidelines, application deadline, how to apply, closing date, and other opportunities links for South Africans is published here on Southafricaportal.com as well as on the official website/application portal.

Youth Challenge Fund (YCF) Application Instructions 2025/2026

The Youth Challenge Fund (YCF) application details have been published here. All Eligible and Interested applicants may apply online for this opportunity before the application deadline-closing date.

NOTE:

• Don’t forget that the Youth Challenge Fund (YCF) application is totally free of charge
• Don’t send anyone money for this opportunity.
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Youth Challenge Fund (YCF) Application Details 2025/2026

The Youth Challenge Fund (YCF) is a youth start-up support programme intended to stimulate the establishment and growth of youth-owned businesses, promote digital skills, grow the economy and foster job creation.

Eligibility criteria

In line with National Youth Policy, the YCF will be providing support to youth start-up businesses/enterprises who meet the following criteria:

• Are between the age of 18 to 35 years.
• Registered with CIPC and be prepared to register with SARS & UIF.
• 100% South African owned.
• Are adequately involved in the day-to-day operation and management of the business with at least one or more of the members being full-time employees of the company, especially the majority shareholder or essential personnel/applicant.
• Prepared to participate in Business Development Support and mentorship (pre and post).
• Commercially viable, sustainable and feasible business idea.

Exclusions

The following transactions will NOT be considered:

• Funding towards a debt owed by the applicant with another lending institution.
• Activities that have already been funded by other government departments or parastatals.
• Government and SOE officials are excluded.
• Fall within the gambling, pyramid sales scheme, loan shark and operates illegal activities etc., as guided by credit policy and grant policies.
• Have a record of fraud and corruption.
• Where the owner/applicant is an un-rehabilitated insolvent.

Additional information

• Funding queries can be directed to YCF Hotline on 012 748 9600 or email: info@dsbd.gov.za/helpline@sefa.org.za
• Upon receipt of the applications, they will be reviewed and completed applications subjected to due diligence exercises by sefa for consideration.
• Follow-ups will be made with small enterprises whose funding applications are incomplete to submit the outstanding information.
• Small enterprises that require non-financial support are referred to Seda for further handling.

How to apply

Download the application form and submit it, with all required documentation to YCF@sefa.org.za.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Youth Challenge Fund (YCF) Start-up Support Programme

However, if you have queries regarding the Youth Challenge Fund (YCF) Application 2025/2026, Please kindly DROP A COMMENT below and we will respond to it as soon as possible.

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