The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) is South Africa's primary government agency dedicated to youth empowerment and development. For entrepreneurs aged 18-35, NYDA offers grants up to R100,000, business vouchers, mentorship, and comprehensive development support. This guide covers all programmes and how to apply.
Who This Is For
- South African citizens aged 18-35
- Aspiring entrepreneurs and new business owners
- Youth cooperatives and group businesses
- Young people seeking business skills development
About NYDA
The National Youth Development Agency was established in 2009 through the merger of the National Youth Commission and Umsobomvu Youth Fund. NYDA's mandate is to advance youth development through:
- Enterprise finance and support
- Job preparedness and placement
- Education and skills development
- Health and wellbeing programmes
- Community development initiatives
NYDA operates through a network of branches across all nine provinces, with a dedicated online portal for applications.
NYDA Funding Programmes
1. NYDA Grant Programme
Overview
NYDA's flagship funding programme providing non-repayable grants to qualifying youth-owned businesses. This is the most popular NYDA programme.
Funding Range
R1,000 to R100,000
Grant Tiers
- Tier 1 (R1,000 - R10,000): Start-up businesses with minimal requirements
- Tier 2 (R10,001 - R50,000): Established businesses with trading history
- Tier 3 (R50,001 - R100,000): Growth businesses with strong track record
Use of Funds
- Equipment and machinery purchase
- Stock and inventory
- Marketing and branding
- Working capital (limited)
Key Requirements
- 18-35 years old
- South African citizen
- Registered business (CIPC)
- Complete NYDA Business Skills training
- No previous NYDA grant recipient
2. NYDA Voucher Programme
Overview
Vouchers redeemable at approved service providers for business support services. Easier to access than grants with faster turnaround.
Voucher Values
R5,000 to R25,000 depending on service type
Eligible Services
- Business plan development
- Company registration assistance
- Tax compliance setup
- Website development
- Branding and marketing materials
- Financial statements preparation
- Quality certification
How It Works
- Apply for voucher at NYDA branch or online
- Receive approval and voucher code
- Select approved service provider
- Provider delivers service
- NYDA pays provider directly
3. Business Development Support
Overview
Free business training and mentorship programmes available to all qualifying youth, regardless of grant application status.
Programmes Include
- Business Skills Programme: 5-day intensive entrepreneurship training
- Market Readiness Programme: Preparing to supply government and corporates
- Mentorship Programme: 6-12 month pairing with experienced business mentors
- Business Consultancy: One-on-one advisory sessions
Delivery
- In-person at NYDA branches
- Online through the NYDA portal
- Hybrid programmes
4. Youth Cooperative Support
Overview
Specialised support for youth cooperatives, with higher funding limits and group-focused training.
Funding Range
Up to R250,000 for registered cooperatives
Requirements
- Registered cooperative (CIPC)
- All members aged 18-35
- Minimum 5 members
- All members complete cooperative training
- Active trading for at least 6 months
Additional Support
- Cooperative governance training
- Financial management for groups
- Market linkage support
5. Second Chance Programme
Overview
Support for youth who face barriers to mainstream programmes, including those with criminal records or who have previously failed businesses.
Target Groups
- Young people with criminal records seeking rehabilitation
- Previous business failure (learning from experience)
- Youth from vulnerable backgrounds
Support Includes
- Life skills and rehabilitation training
- Business skills development
- Mentorship and ongoing support
- Small grant funding (case-by-case)
Eligibility Requirements
Age Requirements
All NYDA programmes require applicants to be aged 18-35.
- Age is calculated at date of application
- If you turn 36 during processing, you remain eligible
- For cooperatives, all members must be 18-35
Ownership Requirements
- Individual businesses: 100% youth ownership
- Partnerships/companies: At least 51% youth ownership
- Cooperatives: 100% youth membership (all members 18-35)
Other Criteria
- South African citizen or permanent resident
- Valid South African ID
- Business registered with CIPC (for grants over R10,000)
- Completed NYDA Business Skills Programme (for grants)
- Not a previous NYDA grant recipient (one grant per lifetime)
- Business operating in South Africa
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Guide
- Register on the NYDA Portal
Create an account at nyda.gov.za. You'll need your ID number and contact details.
- Complete the Business Skills Programme
Register for and complete the 5-day Business Skills Programme (available online or in-person). You must pass to proceed with grant applications.
- Register Your Business
Ensure your business is registered with CIPC. For grants under R10,000, sole proprietor registration may suffice, but a company is recommended.
- Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required documents (see list below). Incomplete applications are the main cause of rejections.
- Submit Application Online
Complete the application form on the NYDA portal. Select the appropriate grant tier based on your funding needs.
- Attend Interview (if selected)
Shortlisted applicants are invited for an interview at their nearest NYDA branch. Prepare to discuss your business plan and use of funds.
- Due Diligence & Site Visit
NYDA may conduct a site visit to verify your business operations.
- Decision & Contracting
If approved, you'll receive an offer letter and funding agreement to sign.
- Disbursement
Funds are disbursed based on the approved use—often paid directly to suppliers for equipment purchases.
Required Documents
- Certified copy of ID (not older than 3 months)
- Proof of residence (not older than 3 months)
- CIPC registration documents (COR14.3/COR15.1)
- Business Skills Programme certificate
- Business profile or plan
- 6 months bank statements (for existing businesses)
- Quotations for items to be purchased with grant
- Proof of business address (lease or utility bill)
Processing Times
- Vouchers: 5-10 working days
- Tier 1 Grants (R1k-R10k): 20-30 working days
- Tier 2 Grants (R10k-R50k): 30-60 working days
- Tier 3 Grants (R50k-R100k): 60-90 working days
- Cooperative Grants: 60-90 working days
Note: Times vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.
Tips for Success
- Complete training first: Don't waste time applying before you have your Business Skills certificate
- Start with vouchers: If you need help with business plan or registration, apply for vouchers first
- Be specific about use of funds: Vague applications are rejected—list exactly what you'll buy
- Get proper quotations: Official quotations from suppliers strengthen your application
- Show trading activity: If you have an existing business, provide bank statements showing transactions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without completing Business Skills Programme
- Expired or uncertified ID copies
- Vague business plans without specific financial projections
- Requesting funds for personal expenses disguised as business needs
- Not following up on application status
- Missing interview appointments without rescheduling
Key Legislation
- National Youth Development Agency Act (54 of 2008) - Establishes NYDA and its mandate
- National Youth Policy 2020-2030 - Framework for youth development in SA
- B-BBEE Youth Employment Service (YES) - Related corporate youth employment initiative
Next Steps
Ready to Apply?
Browse live NYDA funding programmes in FundingOS. Check your readiness before applying to identify any gaps in your documentation.
Need Help Applying to the NYDA?
Our network of youth business consultants can help you prepare your NYDA application, develop your business plan, and access youth funding programmes.
- Business plan development
- Financial projections
- Funding application support
- Pitch deck preparation