The Step Up 2 A Start-Up initiative, co-led by YouthStart Foundation and Primestars, is a programme designed to nurture entrepreneurship among high school learners, with a focus on the green economy. Launched in 2014, the initiative addresses youth unemployment and climate change. Its latest version, Step Up 2 A Green Start-Up, aligns with the country’s sustainability objectives by equipping young people with skills to identify green business opportunities.
It uses edutainment formats such as film screenings, hands-on toolkits and a national competition. The programme has ignited entrepreneurial spirit in more than 100 000 young South Africans over the past decade, nurturing a generation of ecopreneurs. It has reached 6 000 teachers and 2 000 high schools nationwide, focusing mainly on those in underserved township and rural communities.
This reach has been pivotal in transforming mindsets, enabling students to shift from job-seeking to job-creating. By encouraging learners to see environmental problems as business opportunities, the programme has fostered a new generation of entrepreneurs who prioritise social and environmental impact alongside profit.
The launch of the Step Up Alumni Network extends the programme’s reach by creating a platform for past participants to continue their entrepreneurial journey. Executive board director Nkosinathi Moshoana says its mission is best captured by the words of Kenyan activist Wangari Maathai: “We are called to assist the Earth to heal her wounds and, in the process, heal our own.”
Greatest achievements
- Inspiring green entrepreneurs: Thousands of young people have been equipped with the knowledge and tools to become ecopreneurs.
- A strong alumni network: The launch of the Step Up Alumni Network has been a significant milestone. Alumni have launched successful green businesses, demonstrating the long-term effectiveness of the programme. The network provides ongoing support, including mentorship, resources and collaboration opportunities.
- Empowering marginalised communities: By taking critical climate change education and entrepreneurial training to schools in townships and rural regions, the project has ensured that young people from these areas are not left behind in the green economy transition.
In addition:
- The programme celebrated a decade of impact in 2024.
- The programme is one of the leading entrepreneurship in school programmes, spearheading the reach into township and rural communities.
- Over R20 million worth of prizes has been awarded to budding young entrepreneurs since inception including bursaries; internships; seed funding; business mentorship; entrepreneurship development courses; incubation; digital equipment and resources and further education and training.
- Awarded one of the leading champion programmes by the World Economic Forum.
- Partnered with the departments of Basic Education, Small Business Development and Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
- Collaborating with the deputy minister of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to launch the 1 million trees initiative to drive climate awareness.
- Developed educational content and curriculum for schools in alignment with CAPS.
- Facilitated a national green schools initiative ecosystem for sustainable growth and partnerships.
What advice would you give to future generations?
Our planet is not just our home; it’s our shared legacy. Embrace the mindset of not just being consumers but also creators who prioritise sustainability. View the problems we face, such as climate change and resource scarcity, as opportunities to innovate and drive change. The choices you make today will determine the world your children inherit. Choose wisely.