Young South Africans aged 18 to 26 can access funding, mentorship, financial education and business support as entries open for the 2026 YouthX Awards.
YouthX by Nedbank is inviting young entrepreneurs across the country to submit business ideas, community solutions, products and existing ventures, with entries remaining open until 9 October 2026.
The initiative is designed to move beyond recognising promising ideas by providing young entrepreneurs with resources and networks that can help them develop sustainable businesses.
This year’s winners will receive cash prizes alongside mentorship through Nedbank’s enterprise development team, financial literacy training, guidance from Nedbank financial advisers and additional business development opportunities.
The top three winners will also have an opportunity to attend the One Young World Summit, connecting them with an international community of young leaders working across business and social change.
Elwin Smith, Head of Group Sponsorships and Events at Nedbank, said the programme is intended to help young people translate their ideas and ambitions into action.
“We believe South Africa’s young people already have the ideas, creativity and ambition to shape the future. YouthX by Nedbank is about helping them unlock their potential by giving them the confidence, support and opportunities to turn their ideas into action.”
YouthX creates an opportunity for young people developing businesses as well as those attempting to solve challenges within their communities.
Participants can submit an idea or an existing venture and explain how support from YouthX could help develop its potential. Entrants can also provide supporting material demonstrating their concept and its possibilities.
The combination of financial support and business development is intended to address some of the challenges young entrepreneurs face when moving from an early idea towards a viable enterprise.
Access to mentorship can provide participants with experienced guidance, while financial education and advice can help young entrepreneurs develop the skills required to manage and grow their ventures.
The programme also creates connections between emerging entrepreneurs and established business networks, giving participants access to knowledge and opportunities beyond the competition itself.
Finalists will progress through a judging process before presenting their ideas to an independent panel.
Entries opened on 14 August and close on 9 October 2026, with the winners scheduled to be announced at the YouthX Awards on 21 November.
For young South Africans with ideas capable of becoming businesses or creating solutions within their communities, YouthX provides a pathway to take those ideas beyond their starting point.
The 2026 programme ultimately aims to give emerging entrepreneurs access to the funding, skills, mentorship and networks needed to turn potential into sustainable economic opportunity.
