TVET Students Invited to Enter Entrepreneurship Inter-College 2026 Competition

TVET student entrepreneurs wanting access to business development support and networks should enter the Entrepreneurship Inter-College 2026.
Admissions are open to all entrepreneurially minded students from 50 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges across the country.
Organized by INSPIRE, this competition provides a platform for TVET students to develop and present business ideas or existing ventures while gaining mentorship, feedback and access to industry networks.
Competition categories include business, technology or general business. Participants will first compete in their respective colleges before advancing to regional rounds and ultimately the national finals.
Speaking on the growing entrepreneurial activity within the TVET sector, Linda Lindani, Program Lead: Higher Education at INSPIRE, said many students are already taking initiatives beyond the classroom.
“Across South Africa, many TVET students are not only preparing for the workplace, but also building businesses alongside their studies. The Entrepreneurship Inter-College creates a platform to recognize that potential and connect young entrepreneurs with opportunities to grow,” he said.
The competition comes at a time when entrepreneurship is increasingly recognized as a viable path for youth to generate experience, income and long-term opportunities.
Winner of the 2025 Entrepreneurship Inter-College and Founder of the Institute of Adult Education, Rashad Sambaba, encourages interested entrants to take full advantage of the opportunity.
“Students should enter because the competition provides valuable growth opportunities and meaningful exposure for both your brand and your business. It also takes you beyond your comfort zone.
“I entered in 2024, and I was so determined to be a part of this initiative that I dedicated an entire year to developing my pitching skills and refining my business model in preparation for the 2025 competition.”
He says that as an entrepreneur, one is constantly learning and there is always an opportunity to grow one's business.
Category winners will receive cash prizes, business support and exposure to industry opportunities.
Applications are open until April 17, and the competition will go through internal college rounds from May to June, followed by regional rounds in August and concluding with the national finals in September 2026. For more information or to submit an entry, visit: https://inspirednet.co.za/inter-college/ and follow INSPIRE on Facebook and Instagram.