Across South Africa’s townships and rural communities, entrepreneurs are solving real-life problems every day.

Sometimes an idea starts with frustration: a service that does not exist, a process that takes too long or a community need that continues to go unmet. At other times, it begins with opportunity – a student finding a smarter way of doing something, a small business owner responding differently to customers or an entrepreneur turning local knowledge into a solution with the potential to grow beyond their community.

But a promising idea does not automatically become a sustainable business. That is where Telkom FutureMakers wants to help.

Applications are now open for the Township Innovation Incubator Programme, a business development programme designed to identify and support promising entrepreneurs and innovators from South Africa’s township and rural communities.

The programme is looking for entrepreneurs who are solving real problems and are ready to turn their ideas, early-stage ventures or growing businesses into stronger, more sustainable enterprises.

Selected participants will receive incubation support, mentorship and business development guidance, as well as access to networks that can help them refine their business models, overcome challenges and identify opportunities for growth.

For entrepreneurs building businesses in township and rural communities, access can often be as important as ambition.

A founder may understand the problem better than anyone else. They may already have customers, a working solution or evidence that their idea has potential. But knowing how to price a product, structure a business, enter new markets, find the right partners or prepare for growth can determine whether a promising venture stalls or takes its next leap forward.

The FutureMakers Township Incubator is designed to help entrepreneurs make that leap.

At the heart of the programme is a simple belief: big ideas can start anywhere.

FutureMakers particularly encourages applications from township and rural innovators; early-stage entrepreneurs and start-ups; students and graduates with viable business ideas; women and youth entrepreneurs; and founders developing technology-enabled or community-focused businesses.

Applicants do not need to have everything figured out. They should, however, be able to clearly explain the problem they are trying to solve, the solution they are developing and why they believe it can make a difference.

For entrepreneurs who have been quietly testing an idea, serving their first customers, building after hours or wondering what the next step should be, the programme could provide the support, guidance and exposure needed to move forward with greater confidence.

If you have built something people need, identified a problem worth solving or have an idea you believe could become a sustainable business, FutureMakers wants to hear from you.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Applications are open to South African innovators who:

• Are between the ages of 18 and 35.
• Are based in a rural or township community.
• Have an ICT-enabled idea or early-stage business.
• Are addressing a social challenge within their community.
• Preference will be given to black-owned businesses, women and people living with disabilities.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants can apply through the FutureMakers WhatsApp chatbot:

1. Save 081 760 7475 on your phone.

2. Send “Hi” via WhatsApp.

3. Follow the prompts to complete the application.

No account creation is required, as the applicant’s mobile number serves as their account.

Applications opened on 18 September 2026 and will close on 18 October 2026.

FutureMakers is also encouraging South Africans who know someone building something promising in their community to share the opportunity with them.

South Africa’s next successful entrepreneur may already be solving a problem, serving a customer or testing an idea. What they may need next is the right support to turn that beginning into something bigger.