Day 2 · Thursday, 24 June 2026 · From Inspiration to Action
SMME Forum & Entrepreneurship Skills Expo
One Summit. Four Events.
All Running Concurrently.
The Gqeberha Careers & Skills Youth Empowerment Summit 2026 brings together a Teacher Conference, Career Guidance sessions, an Entrepreneurship Summit, and a Skills Expo — all running simultaneously over both days as a collaborative ecosystem of opportunity.
Day 1 — Conference & Career Expo
Wednesday, 23 June 2026
Day 2 — SMME Forum & Entrepreneurship Skills Expo
Thursday, 24 June 2026
SMME Forum & Entrepreneurship Skills Expo
Day 2: The Gqeberha Youth Summit — Entrepreneurship Summit and Skills Expo
Day 2 runs two parallel programmes: the Career Expo continues for learners, students, and career seekers, while the Entrepreneurship & Skills Summit focuses on NEET youth, aspiring entrepreneurs, and small business owners. The summit is designed as a practical journey from inspiration to action — featuring Mindset & Inspiration Sessions, Foundational Skills Workshops, Navigating the System sessions (with NYDA, CIPC, SETAs, and local incubators), and an Enabler's Expo Zone for direct engagement with funders, support agencies, and training providers.
Who Should Attend
Key Highlights
Mindset & Inspiration Sessions
Sessions designed to shift perspective and ignite entrepreneurial ambition in NEET youth and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Foundational Skills Workshops
Practical, hands-on workshops covering the core skills every entrepreneur needs to start and grow.
Navigating the System
Dedicated sessions with NYDA, CIPC, SETAs, and local incubators — helping entrepreneurs access the support they need.
Enabler's Expo Zone
Face-to-face access to funders, support agencies and training providers for direct engagement and connections.
Event Details
| Event Type | SMME Forum, Workshops & Entrepreneurship Skills Expo |
| Day | Day 2 — Thursday, 24 June 2026 |
| Primary Audience | NEET youth, SMMEs, entrepreneurs and small business owners |
| Session 1 | Mindset & Inspiration Sessions |
| Session 2 | Foundational Skills Workshops |
| Session 3 | Navigating the System — NYDA, CIPC, SETAs & local incubators |
| Enabler's Expo Zone | Direct engagement with funders, support agencies & training providers |
| Topics Covered | Starting a business, accessing funding, content creation, future skills development |
| Admission Cost | FREE for all attendees |
Skills Expo: Building Capacity for the Future
Across both days, the Skills Expo showcases practical pathways for youth to gain technical and vocational training — including artisanal skills, digital literacy, and green technology. Attendees discover SETA-accredited courses, YES Programme opportunities, learnerships, internships, reskilling & upskilling programmes, the Second Chance Matric Programme, and National Youth Service — all designed to support NEET youth and the unemployed into meaningful work and training.
Artisanal & Technical Skills
Vocational training pathways and hands-on technical skills across trades and crafts.
Digital Literacy & 4IR
AI, FinTech, and digital skills programmes equipping youth for the future economy.
Green Technology
Sustainable skills and green economy opportunities for a new generation.
SETA-Accredited Courses
Accredited skills programmes from SETAs covering a wide range of sectors and occupations.
YES Programme
Youth Employment Service opportunities connecting unemployed youth with paid work experience.
Reskilling & Upskilling
Targeted programmes helping NEET youth and the unemployed gain new, in-demand skills.
Learnerships & Internships
Government and private sector structured work experience and learnership opportunities.
Second Chance Matric
Pathways for those who need to complete their school qualification and open new doors.
National Youth Service
NYS opportunities building work experience, community impact and confidence.
Discover. Learn. Connect. Build.
Whether you're recruiting talent, building your brand, or investing in community development — there is a place for you at Nogoza Jebe Hall, Gqeberha.