From February 6th to 8th, X-Factored Youth, in partnership with Billio Breeze, Mdu Marketing, and TAC Accounting, proudly hosted the second edition of the Youth In Business Symposium (YIBS) in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, bringing valuable insights and opportunities to the Walmer community.
Since October 2024, Billio Breeze, in partnership with X-Factored Youth, has committed to promoting the importance of entrepreneurship among young people, recognizing the socio-economic challenges currently facing South Africa. In a country with a high youth unemployment rate, we firmly believe that the best way to shape your future is by creating it—through active economic participation and entrepreneurship.
This year, we chose to host YIBS on February 6th to fulfill our mission of empowering young entrepreneurs. The first day featured an intimate entrepreneurship session, where both current and aspiring entrepreneurs had the opportunity to ask questions, share their insights, and engage in meaningful discussions. We were fortunate to partner with an accounting firm that guided us through the complexities of the tax landscape, helping entrepreneurs understand how to stay tax compliant and prepare for financial growth as they start generating income. This session provided delegates with a well-rounded perspective on business, covering the challenges they may face from financial institutions and competitors. We were also grateful to have Mpuma Kappa TV document the event and join the entrepreneurship conversation, sharing it with the citizens of the Eastern Cape through their broadcast.
On the second day, we hosted our workshop at the welcoming and supportive Walmer High School, where we focused on inspiring matric students to consider entrepreneurship as a way to subsidize their tuition fees or pursue business directly after high school, especially since many may not have the opportunity to further their education through traditional routes. We facilitated a Business Model Canvas workshop for over 80 students, giving them the chance to assess the viability of their business ideas and understand the steps they would need to take to launch their businesses. This hands-on session helped them gain a clear perspective on what it takes to turn their entrepreneurial visions into reality.
The third day was devoted to the competition, featuring a panel of esteemed judges from a variety of industries, including non-profit organizations. Our distinguished judges included Jonas Schumacher of Masifunde Learner Development, Nkululeko Mbatha, co-founder of Rent-A-Fridge, and Winston Ledwaba, founder of the Advanced Academy of Excellence.
We would like to take a moment to congratulate the winner of YIBS Gqeberha 2025, Miss Nandipa Mpotulu, who earned a R5000 prize, along with complimentary mentorship from X-Factored Youth and financial guidance from TAC Accounting Services.
YIBS 2025 was a resounding success in empowering and equipping young entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed. The event fostered valuable discussions, provided crucial insights into business and tax compliance, and highlighted the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for these aspiring business leaders. We are grateful for our partners, Mpuma Kapa TV, and everyone who contributed to making this event impactful. Together, we are shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the Eastern Cape, one step at a time.