From Side-Hustle to Powerhouse: Dentsu School of Influence Opens Applications for Youth Month Creator Accelerator

The Dentsu South Africa School of Influence is officially back—and bigger than ever. In partnership with CSA.global, the initiative has opened applications for its 2026 Youth Month programme, introducing a bold new format designed to fast-track emerging creators into sustainable careers.

Now in its third year, the programme evolves into a high-impact accelerator anchored by One Big Week, an intensive experience set to take place in Johannesburg from 8 to 12 June 2026.

A New Chapter for the Creator Economy

As South Africa’s creator economy continues to expand, the Dentsu School of Influence is positioning itself as a bridge between raw creative talent and real commercial opportunity. This refreshed format moves beyond traditional workshops, offering a more immersive, hands-on experience.

At the core of the programme, participants will engage in live briefs, mentorship sessions, and commercial training within a real-world creative environment—equipping them with the tools needed to build long-term, scalable careers.

According to Roxana Ravjee, the initiative reflects the untapped potential within the industry:

“South Africa’s creator economy is one of the most exciting and under-structured growth sectors in the country. With the Dentsu School of Influence, we are building a pathway for young creators to move beyond short-term visibility and into sustainable careers with real commercial value.”

From Content Creators to Digital Entrepreneurs

Developed alongside Davin Phillips, the programme places strong emphasis on business acumen—helping creators understand not just how to produce content, but how to monetise and scale it.

“We’re not here to create influencers, but to build digital entrepreneurs. South Africa has no shortage of talent, but talent without structure doesn’t scale.”

says Phillips

This approach focuses on key areas such as:

• Brand strategy
• Audience development
• Commercial readiness
• Long-term career planning

Real Impact, Real Stories

For past participants, the programme has delivered tangible results. Alumna Lisa Nyamane shares how the experience reshaped her perspective:

“Before Dentsu School of Influence, I was creating content. After it, I understood how to build a business. It changed how I see my value and how I show up in the industry.”

How to Apply

Aspiring creators across South Africa are encouraged to apply by submitting a short, engaging video that captures their creative vision and ambition.

Application Steps:

• Post a 60-second video introducing yourself and your creative journey
• Tag @dentsu_sa and @csa.global
• Submit before the deadline: 8 May 2026

Selected participants will be invited to join One Big Week in Johannesburg, with another programme edition planned for Cape Town later in the year.

A Platform for the Future

As Youth Month celebrates the potential of South Africa’s young people, the Dentsu School of Influence stands out as a powerful platform for turning creativity into career capital. By blending culture, commerce, and mentorship, the programme is helping shape the next generation of digital entrepreneurs—one creator at a time.

For more information, aspiring applicants can visit the official Dentsu School of Influence page or follow the journey across social media platforms.