R150m SME Youth Jobs Fund set to create employmentIn response to South Africa’s deepening youth unemployment crisis and the financial constraints that often prevent small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from expanding their workforce, Business Partners Limited has established a R150-million SME Youth Jobs Fund. The Fund aims to enable established SMEs to create new employment opportunities for young South Africans while supporting business growth and driving inclusive economic development. According to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey, approximately 4,8 million young South Africans are unemployed, while four in ten are not in employment, education or training. The SME Youth Jobs Fund has been designed to help bridge this gap by reducing the financial burden associated with creating new jobs. Through the SME Youth Jobs Fund, we aim to support viable businesses that are ready to grow by reducing the cost barriers associated with hiring, enabling them to bring more young South Africans into the economy.”