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JIX Launchpad

Johannesburg Tourism Company SOC LtdRef: https://joburg.org.za/media_/Newsroom/Documents/Joburg_Hustlers.pdf

Official source

Source domain: joburg.org.za

Collected on 13 July 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

Our copy (archived 14 July 2026)Official source

What this means

This document is a promotional call for applications for the City of Johannesburg’s JIX Launchpad, a free, fully-funded programme for young gig economy entrepreneurs. It outlines eligibility criteria (age 18–35, Johannesburg residents, South African citizens/permanent residents, already earning from gig work, and availability for at least 70% of sessions) and describes a 4-week, 4-module training programme with workshops, mentoring, and a Demo Day. It provides key dates for applications and cohort/programme periods, and states that standout entrepreneurs may be connected to funding pathways and ecosystem partners such as GEP, SEDA and DTIC.

Facts

Places

City of Johannesburg, Gauteng

Reference

https://joburg.org.za/media_/Newsroom/Documents/Joburg_Hustlers.pdf

Key Takeaways

  • Programme: JIX Launchpad (gig economy entrepreneurship programme)
  • Organiser: City of Johannesburg Department of Economic Development (IRED Unit)
  • Delivery: Wits Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct
  • Commissioned by: City of Johannesburg
  • Part of: Johannesburg Innovation Exchange (JIX)
  • Cost: 100% free, fully funded by the City of Johannesburg
  • Eligibility: aged 18–35; living in City of Johannesburg (proof of residence if shortlisted); SA citizen or permanent resident
  • Eligibility: already earning from gig work/self-employment (even irregular)
  • Eligibility: able to commit to at least 70% of sessions
  • Priority groups: women-owned/women-led businesses, township-based enterprises, persons with disabilities
  • Duration: 4 weeks; 4 modules; Week 1–4 topics listed (foundations, client acquisition & sales, content & personal brand, scaling & sustainability)
  • Support: weekly in-person workshops at Tshimologong (Braamfontein), minimum 6 one-on-one mentor touchpoints, virtual check-ins/business clinics, WhatsApp cohort group
  • Demo Day: pitch to mentors, partners and funders; potential connections to funding pathways and partners (GEP, SEDA, DTIC)
  • Applications open: Friday, 03 July 2026
  • Applications close: Wednesday, 15 July 2026
  • Selection period: Thursday, 16 July 2026 – Friday, 17 July 2026
  • Cohort A & B programme: Monday, 20 July 2026 – Friday, 14 August 2026
  • Cohort A Demo Day: Monday, 17 August 2026 – Friday, 21 August 2026
  • Young SADC Entrepreneur Roundtables: Friday, 31 July – Tuesday, 04 September 2026
  • Venue: Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, Braamfontein (in-person + virtual)
  • Application link: https://web.theincubatoros.com/h/tshimologong/coj-johannesburg-innovation-exchange-jix-gig-economy-programme
  • Enquiries: lebohang@tshimologong.joburg; edson@tshimologong.joburg
  • City of Johannesburg
  • Department of Economic Development (IRED Unit)
  • Wits Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct
  • Johannesburg Innovation Exchange (JIX)
  • GEP
  • SEDA
  • DTIC
  • Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival

Dates

Closing Date

3 July 2026