Seen Here: Orchard on 25 is investing in South Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs by offering a youth-owned business a two-month marketing retainer valued at R200,000. Through the #O25YouthDrive campaign, the agency is turning creativity into opportunity and helping young businesses build stronger brands, reach new markets and create lasting livelihoods. Photo Credit: Supplied
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – As South Africa continues to grapple with one of the world’s highest youth unemployment rates, independent creative agency Orchard on 25 (O25) has launched an innovative campaign aimed at helping young entrepreneurs grow their businesses through the power of professional marketing.
Rather than simply encouraging entrepreneurship through social media messaging, the Johannesburg-based agency has committed tangible resources by offering one youth-owned business a two-month agency retainer valued at R200,000, providing access to strategic marketing expertise that many emerging businesses could otherwise never afford.
The initiative forms part of O25’s inaugural #O25YouthDrive campaign, a bold effort to bridge the gap between entrepreneurial ambition and market visibility.
Investing in businesses, not just ideas
For many young entrepreneurs, securing funding is only part of the challenge.
Building a recognisable brand, reaching customers and developing effective marketing strategies often remain significant barriers to growth, particularly for start-ups operating with limited resources.
Recognising this reality, Orchard on 25 has chosen to invest its greatest asset—its expertise.
The winning business will receive professional support across branding, public relations, creative strategy, digital marketing and communications, providing a valuable platform to accelerate growth and strengthen its market presence.
Creating opportunities that matter
The campaign aligns with the agency’s broader commitment to youth empowerment and economic participation.
Founded by Jay Badza, Orchard on 25 has built its reputation as a PR-led, full-service creative agency while championing the development of young creative talent within South Africa’s communications industry.
Inspired by Badza’s vision of building the agency into “a beacon of light for young creatives,” the initiative is being driven by a dynamic team of young professionals who understand both the challenges and opportunities facing emerging entrepreneurs.
Rather than offering a once-off promotional campaign, Orchard on 25 is providing meaningful agency support capable of creating lasting commercial impact.
A simple opportunity with significant potential
The competition is open to youth-owned businesses across South Africa.
To enter, entrepreneurs are required to:
- Record a video of no longer than one minute.
- Introduce themselves and their business.
- Explain why their business deserves the opportunity.
- Share the video on social media, tagging @Orchardon25 and using the hashtags #O25YouthDrive and #BuildingLivelihoods.
Entries close on 19 July 2026.
Supporting economic growth through entrepreneurship
Small businesses continue to be recognised as one of South Africa’s most important drivers of economic growth and job creation.
However, limited access to professional marketing services often prevents promising enterprises from scaling beyond their early stages.
By contributing agency capacity instead of financial grants alone, Orchard on 25 hopes to equip entrepreneurs with the strategic tools needed to build sustainable businesses, attract customers and create employment opportunities.
The initiative demonstrates how private-sector organisations can play a practical role in supporting South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through skills, mentorship and professional expertise.
Building livelihoods through creativity
Since its establishment in 2017, Orchard on 25 has evolved into a multidisciplinary communications agency offering services across public relations, digital marketing, branding, advertising, design, experiential marketing and strategic communications.
Its latest youth-focused initiative reflects a growing belief within the creative industry that access to world-class marketing should not be reserved exclusively for established businesses with significant budgets.
As South Africa continues searching for innovative solutions to youth unemployment, Orchard on 25’s campaign represents more than a marketing competition—it is an investment in entrepreneurship, economic inclusion and the next generation of business leaders.
For one ambitious young entrepreneur, the opportunity could be transformational. For South Africa’s broader entrepreneurial ecosystem, it sends a powerful message: meaningful support goes beyond words—it requires action.
