Careers
CSIR Entrepreneurship Development Programme
The CSIR is inviting aspiring young entrepreneurs to participate in its Entrepreneurship Development Programme. Whether you have a business idea or have started a business in the past 12 months, plan to launch a new venture or aim to turn your hobby into a business, apply now to be considered for the CSIR Entrepreneurship Development Programme.
The CSIR Entrepreneurship Development Programme is designed for aspiring young entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs in this programme are challenged to achieve and exceed their goals while receiving the guidance and mentorship they need to stay the course and build essential skills for successful venture creation. The programme focuses on the process of establishing new sustainable business ventures with the potential for growth and meaningful contributions to local economies. It identifies promising entrepreneurs with the talent and energy to build their own businesses. The programme aims to create a lasting positive impact on local economies by fostering sustainable new ventures and empowering community members with skills and competencies. Participants in this programme will develop skills in the entrepreneurial process.
How will the programme work?
The CSIR Entrepreneurship Development Programme will support young entrepreneurs as follows:
Guided Support
Receive hands-on guidance from an experienced programme facilitator and a dedicated mentor throughout your journey.
Focused Training
Attend training covering key entrepreneurship areas: understanding your market, aligning solutions to needs, building strong business models and managing finances.
Targeted Mentorship
Work with mentors to address critical areas of your business and strengthen your venture.
Pitch Readiness
Conclude with a dry run to refine your pitch, then present to a panel including IDC and CSIR representatives who will assess your funding readiness.
Objectives
Recruit, train and mentor 30 high-impact venture creators from Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, pursuing promising leading innovations in multiple economic sectors represented in the CSIR business clusters within 12 months and tapping into CSIR capabilities in the relevant areas. Additionally, the programme seeks to leverage support from partners and stakeholders.
What type of businesses will be considered in this programme?
New ventures and businesses will be drawn from various industry sectors such as manufacturing, food processing, cosmetics and medicinal products, among others. The legal registration status of each business can fall into one of the following categories:
Co-operatives
Not-for-profit companies, particularly social enterprises
Private companies (Pty Ltd)
Unregistered businesses, also known as nascent entrepreneurs or nascent venture creators, who will receive support to formalise their businesses as part of the programme
All businesses should be owned by local youth in their respective communities. Youth participants will range in age from18 to 36 years from diverse backgrounds, including rural, peri-urban and urban areas in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. Participants may be at various stages in their venture creation efforts, from the initial idea stage to fledging start-up businesses. A rigorous selection process will be applied and successful participants will receive comprehensive support.
The requirements for entrepreneurs to be considered for participation
Potential participants in the programme will undergo a multi-step selection process designed to minimise the risk of carrying participants who may not fully engage. To be considered for the programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Access to a computer/device with an internet connection to attend sessions as per the programme schedule
A demonstrated desire to solve local economic development problems or a passion to pursue an opportunity they have already explored
Basic computer literacy, as participants will use basic computer applications
Commitment and availability to attend at least 70% of all programme and mentorship sessions
Literacy and numeracy at NQF Level 5 (equivalent to Matric) are recommended
Proficiency in English and at least one other official South African language
Residency in one of the three provinces: Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal or the Western Cape
Strategic Partners
Collaboration powers scale. These partners enable training, mentorship, funding pathways, and commercialisation.
If you would like to reach out to us, please send an email to the CSIR Corporate Social Investment team at @email.