TVET student entrepreneurs seeking access to business development support and networks should enter the Entrepreneurship Inter-College 2026.
Entries are open to all entrepreneurial-minded students from the 50 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges countrywide.
Hosted by INSPIRE the competition provides a platform for TVET students to develop and present business ideas or existing ventures, while gaining access to mentorship, feedback, and industry networks.
Competition categories include trade, technology, or general business. Participants will first compete within their respective colleges before progressing to regional rounds and ultimately the national finals.
Speaking to the growing entrepreneurial activity within the TVET sector, Linda Lindani, Programme Lead: Higher Education at INSPIRE, noted that many students are already taking initiative beyond the classroom.
“Across South Africa, many TVET students are not only preparing for the workplace but also building businesses alongside their studies. The Entrepreneurship Inter-College creates a platform to recognise that potential and connect young entrepreneurs with opportunities to grow,” she said.
The competition takes place at a time when entrepreneurship is increasingly being recognised as a practical pathway for young people to build experience, income, and longer-term opportunities.
Winner of the 2025 Entrepreneurship Inter-College and founder of the Adult Education Institute, Rashaad Sambaba, encourages aspiring entrants to take full advantage of the opportunity.
“Students should enter because the competition offers valuable growth opportunities and meaningful exposure for both your brand and your business. It also pushes you beyond your comfort zone.
“I entered in 2024, and I was so determined to be part of this initiative that I dedicated an entire year to developing my pitching skills and refining my business model in preparation for the 2025 competition.”
He adds that as an entrepreneur, one is constantly learning, and there is always an opportunity for one’s business to grow.
Category winners will receive cash prizes, business support, and exposure to industry opportunities.
Applications are open until April 17, and the competition will move through internal college rounds from May to June, followed by regional rounds in August and concluding with national finals in September 2026. For more information or to submit an entry, visit: https://inspirednet.co.za/inter-college/ and follow INSPIRE on Facebook and Instagram.