SNG Grant Thornton invested E87,000 in a youth entrepreneurship program that helped 31 young entrepreneurs from Nhlangano and nearby areas complete a three-day business seminar focused on financial literacy, business planning, and entrepreneurial soft skills.
Held from November 26 to 28, 2025, at the ENYC Training Center, the program was organized in partnership with Begin Your Dreams. This was the fourth edition of the Youth Business Seminar, which had previously been held in Siteki for three consecutive years.
The training aimed to prepare youth-led businesses for growth by equipping participants with financial readiness tools, guidance on creating bankable business plans, and behavioral skills such as leadership, communication, discipline, and resilience.
The seminar also featured representatives from the Central Bank of Eswatini, Eswatini Bank, Old Mutual, the Youth Enterprise Fund, and the SNYC, who briefed participants on funding opportunities, compliance requirements, investment products, and market access channels. Participants said the sessions improved their understanding of financial discipline and what financiers expect.
With the training phase finished, entrepreneurs now have one month to submit feasible business plans with cash flow projections.
In January 2026, the top ten participants will compete in the E30,000 Seed Capital Competition, with the top three winners receiving E15,000, E10,000, and E5,000, respectively. The three finalists will also undergo six months of structured mentorship from Begin Your Dreams to ensure the sustainable use and impact of the seed capital.
The program has already demonstrated measurable success. A previous participant, Nonjabuliso Dlamini, used her winnings from the Siteki edition to start a successful sigayo (maize mill), highlighting the long-term potential of the initiative.
Speaking on behalf of the youth, Jaha Budzala expressed gratitude, praising both SNG Grant Thornton and Begin Your Dreams for “opening doors” to opportunities.
“This program has changed how we think about business. We now understand what financial readiness really means and how to separate business and personal finance,” he said.
Begin Your Dreams founder Bertha Sithole stated that the program continues to attract highly dedicated young entrepreneurs, whose growth becomes visible each year.
“Each year, this business seminar attracts more motivated and focused young entrepreneurs, and we see their transformation firsthand. The progress we observe in the participants—how they think, plan, and present their businesses—confirms that SNG is tackling a real challenge faced by our youth: access to structured support and pathways for sustainable enterprise. We are proud to partner with an organization whose investment yields measurable progress and lasting impact.”
She added that partnering with financial institutions and cultural organizations has increased the seminar’s influence, helping youth connect their goals with reliable economic opportunities.
The initiative is part of SNG Grant Thornton’s broader effort to empower youth, develop SMEs, and promote economic participation in Eswatini.