NYDA empowers youth with business skills

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), in partnership with the City of Ekurhuleni, recently held a graduation ceremony at the NYDA Ekurhuleni Centre to honour young entrepreneurs who completed the Start Your Business training programme.

The comprehensive seven-day training course, held at the Civic Centre in Kempton Park, aimed to equip aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with vital life and business skills.

The first two days focused on life skills development, followed by five days of intensive business management training. The programme is designed to empower young South Africans with the knowledge and tools needed to start, manage, and grow successful businesses.

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Training modules included business planning, financial management, marketing, operational strategies, and legal compliance.

Lawane Johannes Motseta, an administrator at the City of Ekurhuleni, said the programme provides participants with essential skills that are key to running effective and compliant businesses.

“The NYDA Start Your Business training equips participants with practical knowledge on financial planning, business development, and operational efficiency,” said Motseta.

“We also measure the success of the programme through pitching performance and business outcomes. While we have many testimonials, we require client consent before sharing their stories.”

Motseta emphasised that the NYDA continues to support entrepreneurs after training. Support services include grant funding, business feasibility assessments, bookkeeping and financial administration, website development and hosting, business operations manuals, marketing strategies, and business plan development.

He added that the NYDA encourages young people to explore business ventures of their choice, excluding those related to alcohol and drug sales, and actively engages communities through outreach programmes, expos, and stakeholder partnerships.

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“After completing the training, entrepreneurs can apply for funding through the NYDA portal using the ERP system,” he said.

Opportunities for mentorship and networking are also available, although applicants must apply based on their individual business needs. Training sessions are held monthly and typically span five days.

Motseta concluded with a message of encouragement for aspiring business owners:

“The Start Your Business programme is not just a course; it’s a structured pathway that equips you with the practical skills to turn your idea into a feasible business.

It covers everything from business idea generation and market research to financial planning, pitching, and writing a business plan.