The power of intergenerational collaboration in supporting small business innovation

YOUTH unemployment in South Africa is at concerning levels, with the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey by Stats SA revealing that the youth unemployment rate has risen to 46.1% in 2025. That's about 4.8 million young people without work, similar to the previous quarter.

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But in this bleak environment, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) remain a beacon of hope, not only as potential employers, but as launchpads for the country’s next generation of entrepreneurs.

As we look for solutions to this, it’s worth considering how small businesses can support young business owners, and how intergenerational collaboration can drive both innovation and resilience.

Small businesses that intentionally create space for younger voices and ideas are often the ones that remain most adaptable in the face of change. When younger and older generations work together, they can combine the best of both worlds: deep operational experience and fresh thinking.

In my years at Business Partners Limited, I have witnessed the value of these partnerships firsthand. Older entrepreneurs often bring business acumen, customer insights, financial discipline and a long-term perspective. Younger entrepreneurs bring innovation, agility, and the ability to quickly test and scale new ideas - particularly in areas like ecommerce, social media, technology and green business.