Discover the top 20 government grants and funding programmes for unemployed youth in South Africa. Learn how to apply, avoid scams, and access support to start a business or gain skills in 2025.

Top 20 Government Grants in South Africa to Fund Unemployed Youth (2025 Guide)

📌 Introduction

South Africa faces a youth unemployment crisis, with millions of young people aged 18–35 struggling to find meaningful work or start businesses due to lack of funding and opportunities. Fortunately, several government grants and support programmes exist to help unemployed youth build skills, launch small businesses, or pursue education and training.

This article outlines 20 top Government Grants and funding opportunities currently available or recurring in South Africa, specifically designed to help young people get a fresh start. All programmes listed here are legitimate, many are backed by government or major institutions, and can provide support ranging from a few thousand rand to several million, depending on your business or education goals.

⚠️ Avoid Fake Government Grants Scams

Before exploring real opportunities, please note: There is no “R12,500 Youth Government Grants” or one-time government payout for unemployed youth. Many online ads promoting such claims are scams. Always apply through official websites only (listed below) and never pay money to access a grant.

🎯 Top 20 Government Grants and Youth Support Programmes in South Africa

1. NYDA Grant Programme

• For youth aged 18–35 looking to start or grow a small business.
• Offers Government Grants from R1,000 to R200,000 (or more for cooperatives).
• Includes business mentorship, training, and business plan support.
• 🔗 www.nyda.gov.za

2. SAYouth.mobi Platform

• A national network connecting youth to job opportunities, learnerships, and internships.
• Offers free data access and career guidance tools.
• 🔗 www.sayouth.mobi

3. SEFA Youth-Owned Business Funding

• Run by the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA).
• Offers finance solutions and startup capital to youth-owned small businesses.
• 🔗 www.sefa.org.za

4. Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI)

• Creates temporary jobs and training placements for unemployed youth.
• Includes teacher assistants, admin support roles, and public employment.
• 🔗 www.stateofthenation.gov.za

5. IDC Gro-E Youth Scheme

• For youth entrepreneurs in manufacturing, agriculture, or services.
• Offers financial support including loans and equity investment.
• 🔗 www.idc.co.za

6. Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) Seed Fund

• Supports tech start-ups and innovations by young South Africans.
• Seed funding for prototypes, research, and innovation projects.
• 🔗 www.tia.org.za

7. Cooperative Incentive Scheme

• Government grants for youth starting registered cooperatives.
• Funding used for equipment, tools, and operational support.
• 🔗 www.dsbd.gov.za

8. Agro-Processing Support Scheme (APSS)

• Helps youth in agriculture and agro-processing scale their business.
• Offers cost-sharing grants of up to R20 million.
• 🔗 www.thedtic.gov.za

9. Black Business Supplier Development Programme (BBSDP)

• Targets black-owned youth businesses to access markets and improve capacity.
• Grants cover up to 80% of qualifying business development costs.
• 🔗 www.dsbd.gov.za

10. Youth Empowerment Fund (Pilot Programme)

• Offers a monthly stipend (R1,500) to unemployed youth pursuing skills development.
• Must be actively job seeking and not receiving other government grants.
• Check availability in your province via www.sayouth.mobi

11. Old Mutual Enterprise Development Fund

• Supports young entrepreneurs, especially in township and rural areas.
• Offers funding, training, and business development tools.
• 🔗 www.oldmutual.co.za

12. SEDA Business Development Support

• The Small Enterprise Development Agency provides non-financial support and linkages to grants or funding.
• Includes business planning, marketing assistance, and compliance training.
• 🔗 www.seda.org.za

13. Skills Development via SETAs

• Sector Education and Training Authorities fund youth in specific industries (e.g., agriculture, hospitality, IT).
• Offers bursaries, internships, and stipends.
• Find your SETA at 🔗 www.dhet.gov.za

14. Thusano Fund (Youth NPO Projects)

• Funding for youth-run or youth-serving non-profits and community development projects.
• Often accessed through NYDA or local government partnerships.

15. Municipal Youth Enterprise Grants

• Many municipalities offer local funding for youth-owned businesses.
• Check with your local municipal office or youth desk for availability.

16. Youth-owned Agri-Funding (via DAFF / DALRRD)

• Department of Agriculture funds young farmers and agri-processors.
• Access inputs, machinery, infrastructure grants.
• 🔗 www.dalrrd.gov.za

17. National Skills Fund (NSF)

• Supports training providers and youth with skills initiatives.
• Often linked to bursaries or stipends.
• 🔗 www.nsfas.org.za

18. National Youth Service (NYS)

• Provides work and life experience for unemployed youth.
• Includes volunteering, public service, and community development roles.
• 🔗 www.nyda.gov.za

19. Incubation Support Programme (ISP)

• Offers funding for youth to join incubators across industries.
• Incubators provide workspace, training, and funding access.
• 🔗 www.thedtic.gov.za

20. Women and Youth Empowerment Fund

• Dedicated funding for young women entrepreneurs, especially in rural or underrepresented sectors.
• Often announced during government funding cycles or budget updates.
• Monitor the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.
• 🔗 www.dwypd.gov.za

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💡 Tips for Applying

1. Prepare a Business Plan – Most programmes require a business plan or concept document.
2. Gather Required Documents – ID, proof of residence, tax number, company registration (if applicable).
3. Apply Early – Many grants are competitive and have limited intake periods.
4. Never Pay to Apply – Real government grants are free to apply for.
5. Get Support – Visit a local NYDA or SEDA office for help with applications and guidance.

🧭 Where to Start

If you’re unemployed and between the ages of 18 and 35, here’s what to do:

• Register on SAYouth.mobi to access free job and funding opportunities.
• Visit your nearest NYDA or SEDA branch for personalized support.
• Explore industry-specific funding from SETAs, DTIC, and SEFA.
• Keep an eye on provincial and local municipality websites for regional opportunities.

🧾 Final Thoughts

There is no magic grant that fixes youth unemployment overnight, but with patience, planning, and persistence, many young South Africans have accessed real opportunities and funding. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a recent graduate, or someone trying to start over — the support is there. You just have to take the first step.