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Questions & Answers
Everything you need to know about applying as a youth changemaker, becoming a Dolphin mentor, corporate CSI partnerships, and expeditions.
For Prospective Youth Applicants ("Nelsons")
Do I need an existing registered business to apply?
No. You do not need a registered company or existing business revenue. We look for passionate, proactive young leaders (aged 18–35) with deep community insight, resilience, and a desire to solve local challenges. We guide you from concept to a validated, working enterprise MVP.
How much does the program cost for participants?
The Be a Nelson 1-Year Journey and associated courses are 100% free for accepted participants. Tuition, software access (RebelBase), coaching, and workshop materials are fully sponsored by our donors and corporate partners.
What is the time commitment required?
The program is a 1-year, 4-quarter journey requiring approximately 4 to 6 hours per week. This includes attending online/in-person workshops, participating in bi-weekly 1:1 coaching with your international mentor, completing enterprise modules, and executing your community project.
What if I don’t have consistent internet data access?
Through our "Keep a Nelson Connected" corporate sponsorship fund, StreetBiz provides monthly data bundles and access to digital hubs so no young leader is excluded due to connectivity barriers.
What do I receive upon graduation?
Graduates receive an accredited certificate of completion, eligibility to pitch for enterprise seed grants at our annual pitch competition, lifelong membership in the Be a Nelson Alumni Network, and opportunities to become paid peer-facilitators for future cohorts.
For Dolphin Mentors & Coaches
What is the time commitment for a Dolphin Mentor?
Mentorship is structured in 3-month coaching cycles. Mentors commit to 3 to 4 hours per month, which comprises two 60-minute virtual coaching calls per month (bi-weekly) plus brief weekly WhatsApp check-ins.
Do I need to be located in South Africa to mentor?
No. Our Dolphins Network is global, with mentors connecting virtually from Europe, North America, and South Africa via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet.
What training and support is provided to mentors?
Every mentor receives the StreetBiz Mentor Toolkit, which includes guidance on Appreciative Inquiry, Ubuntu cultural principles, youth safeguarding guidelines, and access to the mentee’s curriculum modules on RebelBase.
For Donors, Foundations & Corporate Partners
How do I receive a Section 18A tax certificate?
StreetBiz Foundation is an approved Public Benefit Organisation (PBO No: 930087066). Donations made by South African taxpayers and companies are tax-deductible up to 10% of taxable income. Official SARS Section 18A tax certificates are issued within 14 business days of payment clearance.
How does corporate sponsorship benefit our B-BBEE Scorecard?
Because 100% of StreetBiz Foundation’s youth participants are Black South Africans from disadvantaged communities, corporate contributions qualify for full points under Socio-Economic Development (SED) and Enterprise Development (ED) scorecard elements.
Can international donors contribute tax-efficiently?
Yes. Through our partnerships with US-based 501(c)(3) organizations (via the Democratizing Innovation Institute) and European partners (via MasterPeace / Rebelieve in the Netherlands), international donors can give tax-efficiently within their respective jurisdictions.
How does StreetBiz ensure financial transparency?
StreetBiz Foundation is governed by an independent Board of Directors and a dedicated Finance & Compliance Committee. We maintain separate project accounting, independent annual financial reviews, and provide corporate donors with verified quarterly impact reports.