The City of Cape Town has extended the deadline for the #YouthStartCT competition to Sunday March 23.

The competition, open to 18 to 35 year olds with existing businesses or business ideas, aims to give entrepreneurs access to developmental opportunities and resources to unlock opportunities for their business, and so stimulate job creation.

Competition categories this year are Agriculture and farming, Information Technology, Finance and Business Services, Tourism and Manufacturing.

Entrants participate in a series of pitching rounds to determine the top three who then go on to compete for the overall prizes.

A number of partners are already on board to assist with sponsorships, mentoring and other support for contestants, including the V&A Waterfront, ORTSA, Workshop17, SEFDA (previously SEDA) and New Horizon Business Solutions.

The City has solicited interest from more potential partners, hence the deadline extension.

Mayoral committee member for community services and health, Francine Higham, said: "I spent some time recently with last year’s winner, and it was absolutely amazing to hear how this competition has impacted her, both personally and professionally.

"We have had hundreds of young people come through the doors in the past nine years, some with a business already in motion and others with nothing more than a dream. YouthStart could be just the catalyst to shift your future into high gear, so if you’ve not done so already, get onto the City’s website and submit your entry."

The top 100 participants will be selected from the online applications and divided into the ideation phase and existing businesses. There will be about eight weeks of training and mentoring, and three elimination rounds to whittle down the group from 100 to the top contenders.The top three existing business winners and the top five business ideas will be announced at a gala event in June.

All applications must be submitted online at the www.capetown.gov.za/youthstart The City’s libraries offer SmartCape computer services where applicants can submit their entry.

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Youth business competition deadline extended