The Young Entrepreneurship Programme (YEP) at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU) is helping high school learners from disadvantaged communities around Stellenbosch develop the skills and confidence to turn their ideas into viable businesses, embodying the Faculty’s centenary theme of "transforming the economy and society."
At its core, YEP seeks to empower learners by teaching entrepreneurial skills that can lead to economic independence. But beyond skill-building, it provides participants with invaluable exposure to university life and networking opportunities that broaden their horizons. The programme’s focus on fostering self-reliance aligns closely with the Faculty’s vision of contributing to a brighter economic and social future.
A collaborative start and continuous growth
YEP began in 2018 as a collaboration between SU and the HU 中国体育彩票 of Applied Sciences Utrecht in the Netherlands. Spearheaded by Mr Adolph Neethling, a lecturer at the Department of Business Management, the programme gained momentum, and today it continues to inspire young minds. Every year, between 40 and 60 Grade 10 and 11 learners participate in the programme, which culminates in a week-long workshop held during the June/July school holidays.
During this workshop, learners form teams to develop start-up ideas and business plans. Student mentors from SU guide the teams as they brainstorm and refine their ideas. By the end of the week, the learners have completed a detailed business plan and presented it to a panel of judges. The most promising business ideas are awarded seed funding to help them launch, along with ongoing mentorship to ensure their continued growth.
Innovative ideas with real-world impact
The creativity and innovation demonstrated by the learners is a testament to the programme’s success in sparking entrepreneurial thinking. According to Neethling, many of the ideas are directly linked to the needs of their communities. Past projects addressed local challenges, such as fixing broken school desks, creating knitted goods for affordable sale, and launching vegetable gardening initiatives to promote sustainability and food security.
Other winning projects include a breakfast service for school parents on their way to work, eco-friendly solar-powered lights made from recycled glass bottles to tackle load-shedding, and a unique initiative to make wristbands from recycled plastic to help track lost children. These projects reflect a deep sense of social responsibility and a drive to solve practical problems, which are key to the programme’s mission of not only teaching entrepreneurship but also creating a positive social impact.
Catalyst for social change and economic transformation
Running a programme like YEP is no small feat. Sourcing external funding remains a challenge for the project leaders as significant funding is required for essentials such as food and transport for the learners. However, despite these challenges, the impact on both the learners and mentors is profound.
Sabrina Matthee, a lecturer at the Department of Business Management, joined YEP in 2022 and now leads the project. Since 2022/2023 the Department has been presenting the programme without Dutch participation. “The programme’s true value lies in showing young people that they can be creators of jobs, not just job seekers,” says Matthee.
For many learners, the idea of entrepreneurship is revolutionary. Coming from communities with high unemployment rates, where further study can seem futile, YEP offers them a tangible alternative. “It opens their eyes to the idea that there is another way to create opportunities for themselves,” Matthee explains.
As the programme progresses, learners transition from shyness to confidence, discovering their potential as business owners. For many, it’s the first time they visit the university campus and interact with students. Teachers often report that YEP reignites learners’ motivation, fostering a sense of purpose and ambition.
A life-changing experience for learners and mentors alike
YEP doesn’t just leave a lasting impact on the learners by instilling a spirit of resilience and determination in learners; the student mentors also experience a transformation. Before the workshop, mentors participate in a township tour, where they meet small business owners who thrive despite difficult circumstances. This exposure to real-world challenges changes the perspectives of the students, strengthening the programme's role in fostering a deeper understanding of social entrepreneurship.
Through this initiative, the Department of Business Management contributes towards the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences’ mission of "transforming the economy and society." YEP is more than just a business programme: it's a catalyst for social change, helping young people unlock their potential and create a brighter, more sustainable future for themselves and their communities.
- Sabrina Matthee and Adolph Neethling are the recipients of the SU Social Impact Award: Team Category winners in 2024.
- YEP 2025 is scheduled to take place from 14 to 18 July 2025 at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票.
