APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN: KZN YOUTH EMPOWERMENT FUND 2026

Opening Date: 05 October 2026
Closing Date: 05 November 2026

The KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier invites young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 years residing within the Province of KwaZulu-Natal to apply for the Fifth Roll-out of the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Empowerment Fund.

The Youth Empowerment Fund seeks to support deserving young people to start, develop and grow sustainable businesses and innovative ventures, while contributing towards job creation and economic development within the province.

PRIORITY SECTORS

Applications are invited from qualifying youth-owned businesses operating within the following priority sectors:

• Agriculture and Agribusiness
• Manufacturing
• Tourism and Hospitality
• Green Economy
• Retail
• Mining and Mineral Beneficiation
• Science, Technology and Innovation
• Transport and Logistics
• Aquaculture Development
• Blue Economy
• Creative Industry

FUNDING CATEGORIES

Funding is available across three categories, subject to the requirements set out in the relevant application form:

Threshold 1: Informal Traders and Start-ups
Funding range: R1,000 to R100,000
Minimum requirement: Creation of at least 2 job opportunities

Threshold 2: Emerging and Growing Businesses
Funding range: R100,000.01 to R500,000
Minimum requirement: Creation of at least 4 job opportunities

Threshold 3: Growth and Scale-up Businesses
Funding range: R500,000.01 to R2,000,000
Minimum requirement: Creation of at least 10 job opportunities

HOW TO APPLY

Application forms are available from:

• The KZN Online website (Download here)
• Local Municipal Offices
• District Municipal Offices

Completed application forms must be submitted to the applicant's nearest Local or District Municipal Office.

PLEASE NOTE: EMAILED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Communication regarding the outcome of the initial application process will be limited to shortlisted applicants.

IMPORTANT DATES

Applications Open: 05 October 2026
Applications Close: 05 November 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their completed applications before the closing date and ensure that all required supporting documentation is included.

INFORMATION SHARING SESSIONS

The Office of the Premier will conduct Youth Empowerment Fund Information Sharing Sessions to assist prospective applicants with information relating to the Fund and the application process.

Applicants are encouraged to consult the attached Information Sharing Sessions Schedule for dates, venues and further details.

ENQUIRIES

For enquiries or further information regarding the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Empowerment Fund, contact the Office of the Premier:

Email: kznyouthfund@kznpremier.gov.za

Telephone:
087 743 8684
087 131 0345
087 131 0353

Youth who are women and youth with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The KwaZulu-Natal Youth Fund IsiZulu Advert

The KZN Youth Fund Application Form