About YIEDI: Leaders and Strategic Partners in ESD, Business Acceleration and Socio-Economic Impact
More Than 10+ Years of Experience
YIEDI (Youth, Innovation, Entrepreneurship Design Institute) is an organisation dedicated to delivering high-impact, scalable enterprise and supplier development programs. Our offerings include sector-specific and sector-agnostic accelerators, as well as comprehensive corporate training designed to drive growth and innovation.
With a proven track record of supporting over 1 500 businesses and forging strategic partnerships with multinationals, corporate entities and academic institutions, YIEDI has established itself as a trusted leader in entrepreneurial development.
We are committed to empowering and fostering a thriving ecosystem that enables sustainable economic growth.
Vision
To be the leading force in transforming the countries economic landscape by empowering small to medium sized enterprises through strategic partnerships and sustainable development practices.
Mission
YIEDI is dedicated to fostering the growth and sustainability of small to medium-sized enterprises in Africa. We achieve this by bridging the gap between businesses, corporate partners, and government stakeholders, providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities that enable entrepreneurs to thrive. Our mission is to cultivate a robust entrepreneurial environment that drives economic empowerment and contributes to a prosperous society.
Our Entrepreneurial Philosophy
At YIEDI, we believe entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business, it’s a mindset shift from “I” to “WE.” It’s about building a unified, human-centric approach to enterprise and supplier development, one that values inclusion, purpose, and sustainable growth.
We work in collaboration with our ecosystem partners, corporate South Africa, and government stakeholders to advance a shared vision in creating meaningful economic opportunities, enabling job creation, and promoting continuous lifelong learning.
For us, entrepreneurship means recognising challenges as catalysts for change, embracing innovation with courage, and developing solutions that deliver lasting impact.
We champion bold thinkers, entrepreneurs who dare to dream differently, lead with purpose, and drive real change in their communities and beyond. Whether you are at the start of your journey or scaling new heights, YIEDI is here to support you with the right tools, mentorship, and networks to transform vision into value.
Entrepreneurship is not a straight line, it’s a journey of resilience, reinvention, and growth. At YIEDI, we walk that journey with you, guided by creativity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to building a better, more inclusive future.
Let’s shape what’s next together.
Collaboration over isolation:
Shared growth is sustainable growth
Inclusion by design:
Entrepreneurs from all backgrounds deserve opportunity
Learning by doing:
We prioritise experimentation and agility
Purpose before product:
We back businesses that build value beyond profit
We work with both entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners to co-create programmes that meet real challenges ensuring that business growth is relevant, measurable, and grounded in long-term thinking.
Would you like to collaborate with YIEDI?
At YIEDI, we’re all about collaboration and innovation. Join us to connect with passionate individuals and leaders in our field.
Meet Our Team
Our team brings experience, foresight, and commitment to every programme and partnership. As an accredited national service provider, we combine deep expertise with hands-on entrepreneurial insight to deliver programs that drive measurable growth and transformation.
Jayaseelan
Naidoo
Jayshree
Naidoo
Brandon
Elijah
Khanyisile
Metsing
Kehshan
Naidoo
Mbekezeli
Khumalo
Rapelang
Motsumi
Sueneil
McLeod
We have a national footprint of over 70 highly skilled facilitators and programme managers across all provinces. Each of them brings 5 to 10+ years of experience in their respective fields, and they are entrepreneurs themselves. This means they don’t just teach entrepreneurship, they live it. Their insights shape every aspect of our program design, delivery, assessment, and evaluation, ensuring that our training is not only compliant but contextual, practical, and impactful.
To support our clients’ evolving needs, we’ve invested in cutting-edge technology, including diagnostics and reporting software that delivers real-time, meaningful insights. From learner tracking to outcome-based reporting, our digital platforms enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability.
We’ve grown our team intentionally, bringing together some of the best minds in education, enterprise development, and innovation, to ensure that quality, agility, and client satisfaction remain at the heart of everything we do
Find answers in our FAQ section
YIEDI (Youth Innovation Entrepreneurship Design Institute) is a specialist organisation that designs and delivers high-impact enterprise and supplier development (ESD) programmes, accelerators, and entrepreneurship training across South Africa.
We build practical, data-driven programmes that empower entrepreneurs and SMEs to start, grow, and scale sustainable businesses. This includes accelerators, supplier development, corporate training, business mentorship, and ecosystem partnerships.
YIEDI supports entrepreneurs, start-ups, small businesses, supplier-development beneficiaries, and individuals seeking to gain entrepreneurial and digital skills.
We focus on real-world application, inclusion by design, measurable results, and strong partnerships. Our approach emphasises practical tools, mindset development, and ongoing support rather than theory-only interventions.
We believe entrepreneurship is a mindset built on curiosity, resilience, collaboration, and purpose. We champion shared learning, innovation, and opportunities that transform both businesses and communities.
YIEDI has a national team of 70+ facilitators, trainers, mentors, and programme managers — many of whom are seasoned entrepreneurs themselves.
Over 1 500 businesses have participated in YIEDI programmes across various sectors.
Yes. We partner with corporates to design ESD and supplier development programmes, accelerators, and tailor-made training initiatives that align with transformation and impact goals.
Business accelerators
Supplier development programmes
Entrepreneurship training
Digital skills development
Innovation and ideation workshops
Sector-specific incubators
Corporate learning and development
Where applicable, programmes are aligned with industry standards and delivered by experienced, qualified facilitators. Accreditation varies depending on the programme type.
Outcomes may include a validated business concept, a registered and compliant SME, access to mentorship networks, improved business capacity, readiness for supply-chain entry, or even accreditation depending on the programme. Many alumni go on to secure clients, form partnerships, or grow revenues.
Our headquarters are in South Africa, but our work and impact extend nationally and support entrepreneurs across the African continent.
Yes. We collaborate with corporates, funders, NGOs, academic institutions, and ecosystem partners to co-create high-impact programmes.
You can contact our team to explore partnership opportunities, co-develop programmes, sponsor entrepreneurs, or leverage YIEDI to deliver supplier development initiatives.
Visit our website’s programme pages, sign up for upcoming intakes, or reach out via email or phone for guidance on the best programme for your stage of business.
Email: info@yiedi.co.za
Phone: +27 87 537 3888
Or visit the Contact Us page on the website.
