​Rofhiwa Marubini
The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) in 2019 changed its youth business model from fixed interest loan structure to a micro-finance grant provision system.
The R2.7 million grants programme offers qualifying youth entrepreneurs' access to both financial and non-financial business development which does not have to be paid back unlike loans.
Financial support starts from R1 000 to a maximum of R200 000 for any individual or youth cooperative and can be used for anything from working capital to buying stock.
Non-financial support includes mentorship, market linkages and entrepreneurship and youth cooperative programmes and other business support systems.
Since the inception of the grant provision model in 2019, the agency has granted funding to 6210 qualifying youth-owned enterprises.
Those who wish to apply for the grant must meet the following criteria:
Applicants must be South African residents who live in the country and operate a business in the country.
Must be between 18 and 35 years old.
They must be involved in the day-to-day operation and management of the business with at least one or more of the members being a fulltime employee of the business, especially the main applicant. 
Those who wish to apply can contact the NYDA by calling 087 158 6345/5738 or email info@nyda.gov.za or You can download the NYDA funding application forms 2021 pdf http://www.nyda.gov.za/Portals/0/Downloads/Forms/Grant%20and%20Voucher%20Application%20Form.pdf