Having taken advantage of the opportunity presented by Y-AGE and The Department of Economic Development, successful applicants will soon be ready to begin their training!

The ongoing process of selecting successful applicants is conducted by a panel who are experts in their respective industries to ensure viability of the business ideas presented.

Almost one hundred training venues across Gauteng have been identified to accommodate the training of the first class of 8 600 successful applicants.

The classes will be preceded by orientation, where trainees will receive training material to guide them through their classes.

The orientation process will also detail the programme’s expectations to the trainees, prior to commencement of classes to make sure that they understand the kind of commitment required to make a successful entrepreneur.

Unemployed youth will go through a year-long intensive training programme to prepare them for the world of entrepreneurship.

Turnaround workshops have been designed for those with existing businesses.

The business experience of each entrepreneur will determine the number of workshops they need to attend.

Once the entrepreneurs have completed their training, they will take up their various businesses, with the aim of employing three to 15 people per business.

Y-AGE will facilitate the funding of these businesses through government funding institutions, which have committed a 20 percent grant, with the balance of the loan being sourced from financial lending institutions.

After having been part of the Y-AGE programme entrepreneurs are expected to have developed ownership skills, financial management skills, an understanding of their business industry, as well as an understanding and guidance on how to run and sustain successful businesses

The application phase for Y-AGE will not stop until the end of the three-year period. This means that interested people can continue to apply, as the application, selection and training phases will run concurrently.

Diversity is a key feature in SA, and it should therefore, be safe to conclude that our country has talent and creative young minds in abundance.

It is hoped that no qualifying young person will be left behind, as government, business, church and community leaders as well as the general SA public continue to work together to create and support solutions that will benefit the entire country.

l More information on Y-AGE can be found by visiting www.y-age.co.za or calling 010 590 0260.