Youth entrepreneurship took a significant step forward when the North-West University (NWU) hosting a session aimed at guiding students toward business development resources and funding opportunities.

Organised by the university’s Career Services on 27 February 2026, the event brought together key stakeholders such as the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Small Enterprise Finance Development Agency (SEFDA).

The session was designed to help students explore available tools and programmes that support young entrepreneurs and job seekers in South Africa. It also marked the first intake for the NWU’s entrepreneurship education initiative which seeks to equip students with the mindset and skills required to launch a business.

Thoriso Maseng, career services manager at the NWU, highlighted the university’s focus on preparing students for a rapidly evolving job market. “We want to help students develop an ‘intervention mindset’ solving community problems and creating solutions, not just focusing on financial gain,” he said.

The session provided valuable insights into funding and business support for young entrepreneurs. Representatives from the NYDA introduced their Voucher Programme, which offers free services such as business plan development, bookkeeping and website creation. They also offer grants from R1 000 to R200 000 for youth-owned businesses. The NYDA’s Christopher Mahobe stressed the importance of keeping accurate records when using grant funds.

Mathapelo Motlhaole from SEFDA discussed various financing options, including term loans, bridging finance and asset finance for equipment. SEFDA also offers loans for township and rural businesses at a fixed 5% interest rate, capped at R1 million, along with entrepreneurship training and market visibility support.

Students were urged to take full advantage of the resources available to them through the backing of organisations such as NYDA and SEFDA.

Through the event, NWU students are now better equipped to turn their business ideas into successful ventures and contribute to South Africa's economic growth.

NWU Career Services hosted an entrepreneurship session to help students explore available tools and programmes that support young entrepreneurs and job seekers.