City of Johannesburg Launches Free JIX Launchpad Programme to Help Young Entrepreneurs Grow Their Businesses

The City of Johannesburg has launched the fully funded JIX Launchpad Programme for young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35. Learn how this free business development initiative offers mentorship, training, networking, and funding opportunities to help businesses grow.

City of Johannesburg Unveils JIX Launchpad to Empower the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

The City of Johannesburg has taken another significant step toward supporting youth entrepreneurship with the launch of the JIX Launchpad Programme, a fully funded business development initiative aimed at helping young entrepreneurs transform informal income-generating activities into sustainable and thriving businesses.

Through the Department of Economic Development, the City is investing in the future of entrepreneurship by providing practical training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to potential funding channels. The programme is designed to support ambitious young people who have already begun earning an income through self-employment, freelance work, or small business activities but need additional support to scale their ventures.

As South Africa continues to face high levels of youth unemployment, initiatives such as JIX Launchpad are becoming increasingly important in creating pathways to economic participation and business growth.

A Programme Designed for Emerging Entrepreneurs

The JIX Launchpad Programme specifically targets Johannesburg residents between the ages of 18 and 35 who are actively involved in income-generating activities.

Unlike many entrepreneurship programmes that focus solely on business ideas, JIX Launchpad is designed for individuals who have already started generating revenue through their skills, products, or services.

Eligible participants may include:

• Freelancers
• Content creators
• Graphic designers
• Tailors and fashion entrepreneurs
• Food vendors
• Drivers and transport service providers
• Artisans and tradespeople
• Service-based business owners
• Digital entrepreneurs
• Creative professionals

The programme recognizes that many young South Africans are already creating their own economic opportunities but often lack access to formal business training, mentorship, and growth support.

Supporting Business Growth Through Practical Skills

The four-week programme will be delivered by the Wits Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, one of South Africa’s leading innovation and entrepreneurship hubs.

Operating as part of the Johannesburg Innovation Exchange (JIX), the initiative aims to provide participants with practical business skills that can immediately be applied to their enterprises.

During the programme, entrepreneurs will receive training in critical areas such as:

Pricing and Revenue Management

Many small business owners struggle to price their products and services effectively. Participants will learn how to calculate costs, determine profit margins, and establish sustainable pricing strategies that support business growth.

Financial Management

Understanding finances is essential for long-term business success. Entrepreneurs will gain practical knowledge about budgeting, cash flow management, record keeping, and financial planning.

Client Acquisition

Growing a customer base remains one of the biggest challenges for startups and small businesses. The programme will help participants develop strategies for attracting and retaining customers.

Branding and Marketing

In today’s competitive marketplace, strong branding can make the difference between success and failure. Participants will learn how to build recognizable brands and market their businesses effectively across various platforms.

Business Growth Strategies

The programme also focuses on helping entrepreneurs identify opportunities to scale their operations, improve efficiency, and position their businesses for long-term sustainability.

More Than Just Training

What sets the JIX Launchpad Programme apart is its comprehensive support structure.

Participants will not only attend workshops but will also benefit from several additional development opportunities designed to accelerate their entrepreneurial journeys.

One-on-One Mentorship

Each participant will have access to experienced mentors who can provide personalized guidance and advice tailored to their specific business challenges and goals.

Mentorship is often cited as one of the most valuable resources available to entrepreneurs, helping them avoid common mistakes and make informed decisions.

Weekly In-Person Workshops

Entrepreneurs will attend weekly workshops at the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct in Braamfontein, where they will engage directly with business experts and fellow participants.

These sessions will provide practical insights and hands-on learning experiences.

Virtual Business Clinics

In addition to in-person activities, participants will have access to virtual business clinics that offer ongoing support and problem-solving opportunities throughout the programme.

Peer Support Network

Building a strong professional network is an important part of entrepreneurial success.

The programme will create opportunities for participants to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, share experiences, exchange ideas, and collaborate on future opportunities.

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The Opportunity to Pitch for Growth

One of the most exciting aspects of the programme is its concluding Demo Day.

At the end of the four-week journey, participants will have the opportunity to present their businesses to an audience that includes:

• Industry mentors
• Business development partners
• Potential investors
• Funding organisations
• Entrepreneurship support institutions

This pitch event gives entrepreneurs the chance to showcase their progress, receive valuable feedback, and potentially unlock future opportunities for growth.

Access to Funding and Business Support

For many entrepreneurs, accessing funding remains one of the biggest obstacles to growth.

The JIX Launchpad Programme addresses this challenge by connecting top-performing participants with organizations that provide financial and business development support.

These include:

Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP)

GEP supports small businesses through funding and enterprise development programmes aimed at stimulating economic growth in Gauteng.

Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA)

SEDA provides business support services that help entrepreneurs improve competitiveness and sustainability.

Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)

The dtic offers a range of programmes and incentives designed to support business development, industrial growth, and entrepreneurship across South Africa.

These connections could prove invaluable for entrepreneurs seeking funding, mentorship, market access, or expansion opportunities.

Prioritising Inclusive Economic Growth

The City of Johannesburg has indicated that special consideration will be given to:

• Women-owned businesses
• Women-led enterprises
• Township-based businesses
• Persons with disabilities

This focus reflects the City’s commitment to promoting inclusive economic participation and ensuring that entrepreneurial opportunities are accessible to historically underserved communities.

By prioritising these groups, the programme seeks to contribute to broader economic transformation and empowerment goals.

Fully Funded and Free to Participate

One of the most attractive features of the JIX Launchpad Programme is that participation comes at no cost to successful applicants.

The programme is fully funded by the City of Johannesburg, removing financial barriers that often prevent young entrepreneurs from accessing high-quality business development opportunities.

This allows participants to focus entirely on learning, networking, and growing their businesses.

Application Dates and Programme Timeline

Applications officially opened on 3 July 2026 and close on 15 July 2026.

The programme itself will run from 20 July to 14 August 2026.

Interested entrepreneurs are required to complete an online application form detailing:

• Their business activities
• Business goals
• Growth ambitions
• Reasons for wanting to participate in the programme

Final Thoughts

The launch of the JIX Launchpad Programme demonstrates the City of Johannesburg’s commitment to supporting youth entrepreneurship and fostering a culture of innovation and self-employment.

By providing practical business training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and pathways to funding, the programme offers young entrepreneurs a powerful platform to transform side hustles and informal ventures into sustainable businesses.

For aspiring business owners looking to sharpen their entrepreneurial skills, expand their networks, and accelerate growth, JIX Launchpad represents an exceptional opportunity to build a stronger and more successful future. With participation fully funded and access to valuable industry support, the programme could be the catalyst that helps many young entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level.

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