The Inaugural Soweto
Entrepreneurship & Skills Summit
2026
Empowering NEET Youth, Aspiring Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners
The Wait is Over.
The Legacy Continues.
Careers Inc. is an organisation dedicated to redressing the imbalances of the past and has played a significant role in removing barriers for the youth to enter various professions.
We are pleased to invite you to support the Inaugural Soweto Entrepreneurship & Skills Summit, taking place on Friday, 24 July 2026 at the Orlando Community Hall in Soweto.
This dedicated summit runs alongside the 15th Annual Soweto Career Day & Expo, offering a focused platform for NEET youth, aspiring entrepreneurs, and small business owners to connect with enablers, funders, and skills development providers.
Mandela Month
Hosted in July — in the spirit of Madiba — this summit reflects our commitment to an inclusive, empowered society.
Over 1,700 People Expected
A high-impact, targeted audience of NEET youth, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem enablers from Soweto and surrounding areas
800+
NEET Youth (18–35)
200+
Aspiring Entrepreneurs
150+
Small Business Owners
200+
Youth with Disabilities
300+
Career Changers & Graduates
50+
Ecosystem Enablers
Built for You
A practical journey from inspiration to action, tailored specifically for those ready to change their story
NEET Youth (18–35)
Young people not in education, employment, or training — your gateway to opportunity starts here.
Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Individuals with business ideas seeking guidance, mentorship, and funding connections.
Small Business Owners
Existing SMMEs looking to grow, access funding, and connect with support agencies.
Career Changers
Youth seeking alternative pathways to success and reskilling opportunities.
Youth with Disabilities
Inclusive opportunities for all — dedicated support and accessible participation guaranteed.
A Practical Journey: Inspiration to Action
The summit is designed as a one-day, high-impact experience featuring four key pillars
Mindset & Inspiration Sessions
Motivational talks from successful entrepreneurs who started from nothing — real stories, real lessons, real impact.
Foundational Skills Workshops
Practical training on business basics, content creation, digital literacy, and financial management in focused breakout sessions.
Navigating the System Sessions
Direct engagement with NYDA, CIPC, SETAs, and local incubators — cut through bureaucracy and access real support.
Enabler's Expo Zone
A dedicated exhibition space for funders, support agencies, and training providers to connect directly with attendees.
Building Capacity for the Future
Practical pathways for youth to gain real-world skills and opportunities throughout the day
Technical & Vocational Training
Artisanal skills, digital literacy, green technology
Entrepreneurship Programmes
Training, mentorship, and funding opportunities
Learnerships & Internships
Work experience through government and private sector partnerships
Second Chance Matric
Complete school qualifications through supported programmes
National Youth Service
Build work experience and confidence through structured service
Friday, 24 July 2026
Orlando Community Hall, Soweto — 08:00 to 17:00
The Enabler's Expo Zone
Open throughout the day, allowing attendees to connect directly with organisations that can change their lives
Funders
NYDA, Small Enterprise Finance Agency, Banks, Impact Investors
Support Agencies
CIPC, SEDA, Local Economic Development Departments
Training Providers
SETAs, Private Academies, TVET Colleges
Incubators & Accelerators
Business hubs supporting startups and scale-ups
Skills Development Providers
Learnerships, internships, and vocational training
One-Day Summit Exhibition
Secure your stand and connect directly with NEET youth, aspiring entrepreneurs, and SMMEs across Soweto
Exhibitor Exposure Package
Ideal for: Smaller training institutions, NGOs, focused exhibitors
- 3m × 2m stand with 2.5m height restriction
- Standard Shell Scheme
- Carpet Flooring
- 1 Spotlight
- Company name printed on fascia in black
- 1 Trestle table & 2 chairs
- Refreshments & Lunch for 1 delegate
- 2 Exhibitor passes
Exhibitor Guidance Package
Ideal for: SETAs, training institutions, business sector requiring functional space
- 3m × 3m stand with 2.5m height restriction
- Standard Shell Scheme
- Carpet Flooring
- 1 × 15 amp plug point
- 2 Spotlights
- Company name printed on fascia in black
- 1 Trestle table & 2 chairs
- Refreshments & Lunch for 2 delegates
- 2 Exhibitor passes
- Company name in event programme
Exhibitor Premiere Package
Ideal for: Government departments, corporate partners, major training institutions
- 3m × 6m stand with 2.5m height restriction
- Standard Shell Scheme
- Carpet Flooring
- 1 × 15 amp plug point
- 2 Spotlights
- Company name printed on fascia in black
- 2 Trestle tables & 4 chairs
- Company logo on Programme, Flyers & Posters
- Company name on event website with link
- Refreshments & Lunch for 3 delegates
- 4 Exhibitor passes
Workshop Host Package
Ideal for: Organisations wishing to conduct focused training sessions or skills workshops with captive NEET youth and entrepreneur audiences
- Host a 45-minute workshop in a dedicated breakaway room
- Capacity: 100 seated participants per session
- Program Director to mention your company as Workshop Host
- Logo on promotional screens
- (Optional) Prime Exhibition space – 3m × 3m stand
- Company logo on Programme, Flyers & Posters
- Company logo on event advert
- Mention on selected print & electronic media
- Audio Visual & branding inside workshop room
- Refreshments & Lunch for 4 delegates
- 4 Exhibitor passes
All prices exclude VAT. 50% deposit required to secure booking. Balance due 30 June 2026.
Skills Bridge Conference Registration
For organisations interested in attending the Skills Bridge Conference — Day 1 of the main event
Attendee
per person — excl. VAT
Full-day access to conference sessions, networking opportunities, refreshments and lunch
Register NowAttend & Present
per person — excl. VAT
Full-day access, plus a 15-minute presentation slot to showcase your organisation's work
Register NowSpeak, Present & Exhibit
2 people — excl. VAT
Two delegate passes, 15-minute presentation slot, 3m × 2m exhibition space
Register NowWhy Participate in the Summit
Connect with the right people and make a measurable impact on entrepreneurship and skills development
Targeted Audience
Direct access to 800+ NEET youth, aspiring entrepreneurs, and small business owners
Candidate Identification
Ideal for finding candidates for entrepreneurship programmes, learnerships, and skills development initiatives
Ecosystem Visibility
Showcase your organisation as a key enabler in the SMME support ecosystem
Sector Growth
Connect with young people keen to enter entrepreneurship and address skills shortages
B-BBEE Recognition
Contribute to Skills Development and Socio-Economic Development objectives
Networking
Connect with other ecosystem players — funders, support agencies, and training providers
Maximum Reach, Targeted Audience
Our marketing campaign will attract NEET youth, aspiring entrepreneurs, and small business owners from Soweto and surrounding areas:
- Community radio campaigns — Jozi FM, Soweto TV
- Social media campaigns targeting youth in Soweto
- Direct outreach to youth organisations and CBOs
- Posters & flyers at taxi ranks, community centres, youth hubs
- Email campaigns to SMME support networks
- Partnerships with NYDA, SEDA, and local incubators
- Press releases and PR activities
Key Deadlines
31 May 2026
Early Bird Discount Closes
15 June 2026
Programme Advertising Artwork Due
30 June 2026
Final Exhibitor Booking Deadline
30 June 2026
Exhibitor Manual & Logistics Due
24 July 2026
Stand Setup (from 07:00)
Payment Terms
50% Deposit
Required upfront to secure your booking and stand allocation
Balance Due 30 June 2026
Remaining 50% due no later than 30 June 2026
All Prices Exclude VAT
15% VAT will be added to all invoices
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations after 30 June 2026 are non-refundable
Early Bird Discount
Book and pay before 31 May 2026 to qualify for an early bird discount. Contact kgupi@careersinc.org.za for details.
Attend the Summit
Register as an attendee — completely FREE. Connect with enablers, attend workshops, meet funders, and start your journey from inspiration to action.
Exhibit at the Summit
Showcase your organisation, connect with 1,700+ attendees, and become a recognised enabler of change in Soweto.