'The challenge is an accelerator programme for start-up entrepreneurs and the aim is to encourage entrepreneurship and to contribute to skills development and innovation in Cape Town,' said the City of Cape Town's Mayoral Committee Member or Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

Young entrepreneurs will be able to start up and grow their business, while the programme supports entrepreneurs in commercialising, expanding as well as monetising their businesses through their practical training and mentorship programme.

'Young people have to come up with new and innovative entrepreneurial ideas for boosting employment in their communities. Winners will be given the chance to partner with the City on projects that will uplift job seekers and provide sustainable employment opportunities and are also in line to win some great prizes,' said Councillor Badroodien.

This year's prizes include:

• Business support and development which will be a diagnostic assessment and subsidy for the winners
• R50 000 cash
• Cell phones and tablets
• 10GB data per month for the winner, 6GB data per month for the second prize winner and 3GB data per month for the third prize winner

Candidates are required to have a start-up idea that is already creating employment or that has the potential to create sustainable jobs.

With developments in the digital space and the scarcity of natural resources a need has been identified to have dedicated categories that will call for innovative business ideas in the following:

• Hydroponics
• Water-Savings
• App Development
• Social Development

The competition is open to Cape Town residents aged between 18 and 35 and they are given the opportunity to focus on a specific challenge and develop innovative business ideas that will benefit their community.

Entries close this Sunday 19 May 2019 at midnight.

The top 100 entries will be offered after-hours training and mentoring at a central venue in Cape Town. Weekly elimination rounds will take place to determine the winners.

The top 10 entries are offered further mentoring and the top three winners being announced at a gala event.

Entrants must:

1.    Come up with an innovative idea for creating employment in your community

2.    Make a short video explaining their idea and upload it to a public video platform e.g.YouTube. They should not forget to include the URL in the entry form

3.    Complete the YouthStartCT entry form. Only online applications are permitted

4.    Submit the entry

To enter visit your nearest library (for free internet access via SmartCape) or a local internet café and go to capetown.gov.za/en/YouthStartCT.

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