SEDFA, in partnership with the EU EDSE Support Programme, has launched the Youth Challenge Fund (YCF) — a blended finance initiative supporting young South African entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35.
The fund operates across two channels:
- Red Channel (Technology & Innovation): For youth-owned start-ups and growth businesses in technology and innovation sectors, with funding up to R15 million.
- Blue Channel (Other Products & Services): For youth-owned start-ups, with funding up to R2 million.
Applications are accepted via the SEDFA SMME Portal. Incomplete applications receive a 20-day completion window.