Cape Town’s YouthStartCT entrepreneurial challenge has celebrated its 10th anniversary after empowering hundreds of young entrepreneurs through training, mentorship and business development opportunities.
The winners were announced at the Civic Centre Banqueting Hall following more than eight weeks of coaching, mentoring and business pitching before a panel of judges.
This year’s competition attracted more than 700 entries for existing businesses and business ideas, making it the programme’s most successful edition to date. Of these, 145 young entrepreneurs progressed to the training and mentorship phases.
Participants included 68 women and 77 men representing 77 communities across Cape Town, with almost 40% falling within the 18 to 25 age group.
According to the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, the programme continues to provide practical opportunities for young entrepreneurs to develop their businesses.
“This youth upliftment programme has endured because it speaks to something very practical: young people need access to opportunity, not only encouragement. They need spaces where they can test an idea, get honest feedback, learn the basics, and build the confidence to keep going,” Higham said.
She added that supporting entrepreneurship strengthens economic participation while helping build a more inclusive future for Cape Town.
In the Existing Business category, Paul Whitehead of Major John in Woodstock claimed first place. Kylie Andrea Adam of Shanti Natural Care finished second, followed by Nadia Abdul Wahab of Gymtech for Weightloss.
The Business Ideas category was won by Candice Shunmoogam of GWIN. Malilimalo Phaswana of Wine Behaviour finished as first runner-up, while Izak Liebenberg of Reality Atelier secured third place.
Higham encouraged all participants to continue pursuing their entrepreneurial ambitions regardless of the competition outcome.
“Cape Town needs your energy, your ideas and your courage. Thank you for being part of the YouthStartCT story, and here’s to the next decade of young entrepreneurs building a stronger, more inclusive and more hopeful Cape Town,” she said.
Over the past decade, YouthStartCT has become one of Cape Town’s flagship youth entrepreneurship initiatives, equipping aspiring business owners with practical skills, mentorship and the confidence to turn innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises.
