The independent brand and communications agency is putting
agency hours behind a young South African entrepreneur in a Youth-focused campaign aimed
squarely at the country's small-business marketing gap. Led by a relatively young and thriving
team, the Johannesburg-based agency Orchard on 25 (O25) has launched its inaugural initiative
that hands marketing support and a two-month retainer to one youth-owned South African
business.
Why it matters to those who matter
South Africa's youth unemployment rate remains one of the highest in the world, and small
businesses are widely viewed as the most realistic engine for absorbing young jobseekers into the
economy. Yet professional marketing, the kind that helps a brand actually win customers, is one
of the first line items young founders cut. O25's youth empowerment campaign tries to close that
gap directly by donating agency capacity rather than running a once-off awareness post.
In a continuation of founder Jay Badza’s call for the agency to be ‘a beacon of light for young
creatives’, the campaign is being driven by a young, creative and bold team that provides game
changing insights and enthusiasm that clients love.
What's on offer
Running under the hashtags #O25YouthDrive and #BuildingLivelihoods, the offer combines free
marketing help with a two-month agency retainer to the value of R200 000 for one youth-owned
business. In a market where access to professional strategy, PR, digital and creative work is
typically gated by budget, that's a meaningful runway for an early-stage founder.
How to enter
The entry mechanic is simple:
Post a video, maximum one minute long.
Introduce yourself, your business, and make the case for why it should be you.
Tag @orchardon25 and use #O25YouthDrive and #BuildingLivelihoods.
Entries close on 19 July 2026.
