Mr Price Foundation Expands Bindzu Youth Fund to Back South Africa’s Emerging Entrepreneurs
Mr Price Foundation Expands Bindzu Youth Fund to Back South Africa’s Emerging Entrepreneurs. Young entrepreneurs across South Africa have an opportunity to accelerate their businesses after the Mr Price Foundation opened applications for the second cohort of its Bindzu Youth Fund, with submissions closing on 17 July 2026.
The initiative is designed to help emerging businesses move beyond the start-up phase by providing access to business development support, mentorship, professional networks and funding opportunities aimed at encouraging sustainable growth.
According to Duduzile Mathabela, entrepreneurship development programme manager for the Mr Price Foundation, South Africa has an abundance of young people with innovative business ideas, but many struggle to access the resources needed to expand their ventures.
She said the Bindzu Youth Fund seeks to bridge that gap by combining practical business development with mentorship, funding opportunities and ongoing support. Mathabela added that the programme is intended to help build businesses capable of creating jobs, strengthening local economies and contributing to the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The programme will begin with an online business academy that will accommodate up to 1,000 entrepreneurs. Participants selected from the academy will progress to intensive bootcamps, business diagnostics, expert mentorship, coaching sessions and pitching opportunities designed to strengthen their enterprises.
Following these stages, the top 27 businesses, with three selected from each province, will share more than R3 million in funding. Participants will also have opportunities to compete for additional investment while benefiting from post-programme support.
To be eligible, applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 34 and own at least 51% of a business that has been operating in South Africa for a minimum of 12 months. Businesses must also have an annual turnover of less than R5 million, while applicants are expected to demonstrate commitment to growing their enterprises and show the potential for future expansion.
The Bindzu Youth Fund forms part of the Mr Price Foundation’s efforts to support youth entrepreneurship by equipping business owners with practical skills and connecting them to opportunities that can strengthen their long-term prospects.
Applications for the second cohort remain open until 17 July 2026. Entrepreneurs who meet the qualifying criteria can submit their applications through the online application form.
