Absa youth fund applications close on 31 October: who qualifies

Applications for the Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund close on Saturday, 31 October, according to the bank’s programme page.

The published cut-off is 23:59 and late applications are excluded. The page does not specify a timezone.

Who can apply?

The fund targets South Africans aged 18–35 running early-stage, black-owned businesses, including founders with viable ideas and young enterprises ready to grow.

Support includes conditional grants paid in phases against agreed plans, alongside mentoring and business-development assistance. Absa says these are not loans and the fund takes no equity.

Where to apply

Use the application link on Absa’s official programme page. Tshiamo Foundation manages delivery and selection.

Screening and verification are scheduled for November–December, followed by cohort confirmation and onboarding in January–February 2027. Applying does not guarantee selection.