Registrations are Closed
Koa’s Free Online Entrepreneurship Challenge 2026
A real-world programme for anyone aged 9-16
At Koa Academy, we believe in empowering young people and helping them build the future-ready skills they need to thrive. Our Online Entrepreneurship Challenge is an engaging, real-world programme open to anyone aged 9-16.
Join us and be guided through a step-by-step process of developing, refining, and launching a real business – building skills like problem-solving, creativity, resilience, communication, and financial thinking along the way, while learning how to shape an idea into a plan and start bringing it to life. At the end of the challenge, you’ll have the opportunity to pitch your business idea to a panel of judges, with prizes that can help take your business even further.
How Does It Work?
Over five weeks, you’ll take part in a fully online programme that guides you through a step-by-step journey – from spotting a real problem to developing a business idea and pitching it to a panel of industry experts for feedback.
100% Online & Free
Take part in a fully online programme that you can join from anywhere. Participation is completely free, and you’ll receive step-by-step guidance as you develop your business idea.
Earn an Entrepreneurship Certificate
Upon successful completion of the programme, you’ll receive an Entrepreneurship Certificate recognising your participation and the skills developed throughout the challenge.
Online Coursework & Flexible Learning
Each week, you’ll work through a section of the online coursework in your own time, learning practical ideas and tools to help you shape and develop your business idea. Most students spend about one hour per week, working through the lessons at a time that suits their schedule.
Weekly Live Coaching & Mentorship
Each week, you’ll join a 1-hour live online session where you’ll receive group coaching from an experienced entrepreneur. You’ll also work in smaller break-out groups with a mentor to ask questions and refine your idea.
From Idea to Impact
Learn how to identify a real problem, develop a solution, and shape it into a viable business – while connecting with other young entrepreneurs along the way.
Pitch to Judges
At the end of the programme, present your business idea to a panel of industry experts. Receive professional feedback and stand a chance to win prizes that can help kickstart your venture.
Ready to learn how to build a business?
Join Koa’s Online Entrepreneurship Challenge and start bringing your idea to life.
What You’ll Gain from the Challenge
Build an Entrepreneurial Mindset
Learn how to notice real problems around you, think critically about what’s missing, and design meaningful solutions. These are skills that will serve you well whether or not you become an entrepreneur in the future.
Gain Confidence Presenting Your Ideas
Learn how to clearly communicate your thinking and present your ideas to others – an essential skill for future leaders and innovators.
Develop Your Own Business Idea
By the end of the challenge, you’ll have turned an idea into a real business concept and built a pitch presentation – just like entrepreneurs do when sharing their ideas with investors or partners.
Prizes Designed to Help Your Business Grow
Finalists in both the Junior and Senior categories stand a chance to win prizes designed to help take their business ideas further.
All finalists receive:
- Cash prizes (R5,000 for winners and R3,000 for runners up) to support the growth of their business idea
- One-on-one mentorship sessions with experienced entrepreneurs to help refine and develop their venture
In addition, the winners receive:
- Senior Winner: Digital marketing support to help promote and grow their business
- Junior Winner: Brand-building support, including help with logo and identity design
The Judges
The Guest Speakers
Key Dates
Registrations Open
1 April 2026
Registrations Close
10 May 2026
Online Launch Ceremony
13 May 2026
4pm – 5pm (SAST)
Course Starts
13 May
Online Support & Coaching #1
20 May 2026
4pm – 5pm (SAST)
Online Support & Coaching #2
27 May 2026
4pm – 5pm (SAST)
Online Support & Coaching #3
3 June 2026
4pm – 5pm (SAST)
Online Support & Coaching #4
10 June 2026
4pm – 5pm (SAST)
Presentation Day
24 June 2026
3pm – 5pm (SAST)
In Partnership With
Get Inspired!
See what some of last year’s finalists built through Koa’s Online Entrepreneurship Challenge.
Nia Kinuthi
Created Nani Knits, a sustainable brand designing handmade crochet products. Through the challenge, Nia strengthened her pitching skills and confidence presenting ideas to investors – skills she now uses beyond the programme.
Sere Kiteto
Founder of Solani, a natural skincare brand focused on simple, high-quality ingredients. The challenge helped Sere build practical business skills, including pricing, budgeting, and confidently explaining her ideas.
Anna & Cleopatra Achiambo
Started Snacks by Sissies, offering homemade snacks for their community. The experience helped them develop leadership, teamwork, and the confidence to turn an idea into something real.
