Young Entrepreneurs Foundation · Registered NPO & PBO

Together, we can inspire dreams and change lives.

We equip children from disadvantaged communities with entrepreneurial, financial literacy and workplace-readiness skills — empowering them to become the authors of their own destiny.

The need

The numbers tell an urgent story

South Africa's school system is leaving children unprepared for the world of work. The gap between starting school and building a livelihood is where futures are lost.

50
Grade 1 students
20
obtain matric
2
will start a business
80%
of those fail in 2 years
34%
Unemployment rate in South Africa — among the highest on record.
76%
of people under 34 are not employed or are underemployed.
8/20
Fewer than 8 in 20 matriculants will find jobs.
About the Foundation

A registered non-profit, built to change lives at scale

The Young Entrepreneurs Foundation is a registered NPO and Public Benefit Organisation whose major objective is to attract donor funding and corporate sponsorships — bringing entrepreneurship and financial literacy programmes to children from previously disadvantaged communities.

We believe exposing children to entrepreneurship from an early age is one of the most powerful ways to break the cycle of poverty. Youth unemployment and real socio-economic change can only be addressed if we build an entrepreneurial culture in South Africa — and that begins with our children.

"Entrepreneurs are not 'born'… rather they 'become' through the experiences of their lives." — Professor Albert Shapiro, Ohio State University
What we do

More than business skills

Entrepreneurial mindset

We spark the entrepreneurial spirit — building confidence, creativity, initiative and the courage to create value.

Financial literacy

The basics of money management every child should learn early: saving, budgeting, spending wisely and giving.

Workplace readiness

21st-century skills — leadership, teamwork, resilience and problem-solving — for the changing world of work.

Real, experiential learning

Children start and run their own micro-enterprises. They learn by doing — it's edutainment at its best.

Social entrepreneurship

Using business to do good — driving social and environmental change in their own communities.

Confidence & character

We bring out the best in every child, rewarding achievement and the audacity to dream beyond their circumstances.

Why partner with us

Real impact, real returns for your organisation

Associating with the YE Foundation delivers measurable social impact — and tangible benefits for your business.

🎓

Registered NPO & PBO

Your donations are tax-deductible, and support your transformation agenda — B-BBEE, CSI and Skills Development.

🌎

National footprint

Implementation agents in all provinces mean your sponsorship can reach communities wherever you operate.

📊

YE Project Managers

Facilitation, resource planning, quality control, monitoring, governance and reporting — managed for you.

🏫

Sponsor-a-School

Fund a school in your area of operation or your existing network — reaching kids from disadvantaged communities.

🤝

Impact through collaboration

Strategic partnerships multiply impact. We recommend 3–5+ year projects for real, lasting change.

📈

Measurable outcomes

We track and report on participation and progress, so you can see exactly what your contribution achieves.

Trusted by

Organisations partnering for change

MMI FoundationSpur FoundationSage FoundationSibaya Community TrustBarloworldVW Community TrustAONSTANLIBAfrican BankJohann & Gaynor Rupert FoundationCentral MediaUFS
The programmes

14 age-specific programmes, ages 4–18

From a pre-school puppet show on money, through micro-enterprise projects, to teen business incubation and life-after-school readiness — the Young Entrepreneurs curriculum spans every stage. Entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and workplace readiness, delivered as edutainment.

Tinypreneurs · Minipreneurs · Kidpreneurs · BizTeens · Licence to Lead · Young Millionaire · Launchpad
Are you an educator or community champion?

Run a YE Academy in your school

Become a Champion →
Partner with us

Let's change lives together

Whether you're a company looking to make your CSI count, a foundation seeking measurable impact, or a donor who believes in our children — we'd love to talk.

  • Tax-deductible donations (Section 18A)
  • B-BBEE, CSI & Skills Development contribution
  • Sponsor a school in your area or network
  • Full reporting and measurable outcomes
Or email us directly at info@younge.co.za · 082 442 6267