BACKGROUND

Youth unemployment (at 45.4%) remains one of the most pressing socio-economic challenges in Botswana. Many young people are turning to small and micro] enterprises (SMMEs) and informal “side hustles” to sustain themselves. However, despite their resilience and creativity, these young entrepreneurs often lack access to training, mentorship, funding, and platforms to grow their ideas into sustainable businesses. In response to these challenges, the Office of the Member of Parliament for Gaborone Bonnington North Honourable Maipelo Mophuthing and Market Players are collaborating with to launch the annual Gaborone Bonnington North (GBN) Youthpreneur Challenge. This initiative leverages public leadership and impact entrepreneurship to unlock the economic potential of the youth in the Gaborone Bonnington North (GBN) constituency.

The GBN Youthpreneur Challenge is more than a competition; it is a structured, inclusive platform designed to empower young innovators, hustlers, and aspiring business owners in the GBN constituency through training, mentorship, and access to seed funding. The nine (9) months programme aims to equip youth with practical business skills, expose them to growth opportunities, and support viable business ventures that can contribute to job creation and local economic development. The 2025 edition marks the inaugural launch of what is intended to become a flagship annual programme. It reflects a long-term commitment by Honorable Maipelo Mophuting and Market Players to foster youth-led economic development in the Gaborone Bonnington North constituency.

OBJECTIVES

The programme’s specific objectives are to:
•Build the capacity of atleast thirty-five (35) young entrepreneurs through hands-on business training and mentorship per annum
•Provide funding to ten (10) for viable, innovative, and scalable youth-led businesses annually
•Promote economic participation and reduce unemployment among youth in the GBN constituency.
•Foster long-term job creation and local economic development.

BENEFITS

Access to the practical business training and support
Dedicated mentorship to support you in your business planning and
growth process
Access to a community of local entrepreneurs with opportunities for
peer-to-peer inspiration and learning
Access to funding and market opportunities

PROGRAM DESIGN

The GBN Youthpreneur Challenge is a nine-months (9) programme that blends business training, mentorship, and competitive pitching to empower youth entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to grow their businesses.

1. Application & Selection

A public call for applications will be launched through social media, community outreach, and local platforms.
Applicants will complete a brief business concept form detailing their idea, target market, and motivation.
A selection committee will review applications using the set criteria to identify the top 35 youth entrepreneurs (comprising 5 entrepreneurs per ward) to participate in the programme.

2. Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be aged between 18 and 35 years
Have a valid Omang
Operate a small business within GBN Constituency.
Own an operational (formal or informal) small-medium business
If a registered company, must hold at least 50% shares
Be available to attend the full programme
Must be willing to actively engage in all stages of the program and participate in all hosted events
Must demonstrate potential for growth or social impact
Must submit all documents

3. Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on the following factors:

Proof of Business Ownership (Certificate/License/Affidavit)
Clarity of Business Idea
Innovation and Uniqueness
Feasibility and Sustainability
Impact on the GBN Community
Entrepreneur’s Passion and Commitment

BACKGROUND

OBJECTIVES

BENEFITS

PROGRAM DESIGN

1. Application & Selection

2. Eligibility Requirements

3. Selection Criteria

4.Final Pitch Evaluation (Top 10 for Funding)

PROGRAMME TIMELINE

HOW TO APPLY

CLOSING DATE

CONTACT