In 2016, OVSA launched the DEP Project, which develops a group of girl learners to start their own ‘small’ businesses and demonstrate entrepreneurial competencies in their lives. In this way, deserving youth are encouraged to develop skills vitally needed for life after school – whether they study further, take a job or become entrepreneurs. Through hard work, initiative and creativity the learners positively impact not only their own lives but act as role models for their peers. Grade 11 girl learners who have completed the Enterprise workshops are invited to take part in the OVSA Business Plan Competition, out of which the top 16 Business Plans are chosen and mentees are offered 10 months of Entrepreneurship Field School and Mentorship Training. Learners are supported in developing, refining, managing and evaluating their ‘after school’ businesses, as well as teaching skills that will help them to finish school and matric. All Businesses are presented at the end-of-year Award Ceremony and the celebrated business owners will receive either, short educational courses of their choice or educational resources in support of their completing school, making sound study and career choices, and attaining financial independence.

In 2009, OVSA realised that with the vast unemployment figures among South African youth, there is a critical need to support young people in completing their education and acquiring the skills needed to seek employment, set up a business or access tertiary education. The DEP project engages some of the top girl entrepreneurs in Grade 11 and focuses on helping them build employability and entrepreneurship skills. Youth entrepreneurship development is a crucial strategy to integrate young people into labour markets and encourages them to consider and/or start their income-generation projects.