FROM SIDE-HUSTLE TO POWERHOUSE: DENTSU SCHOOL OF INFLUENCE OPENS APPLICATIONS FOR YOUTH MONTH CREATOR ACCELERATOR
Dentsu School of Influence, in partnership with CSA.global, opens applications for One Big Week in Johannesburg, a Youth Month programme designed to help emerging creators turn content into sustainable careers.
DENTSU SCHOOL OF INFLUENCE APPLICATIONS
Cape Town, April 22nd, 2026 – Dentsu South Africa, in partnership with CSA, a culture-led business, has opened applications for the third year of the Dentsu School of Influence. Originally established by dentsu and now entering its next chapter, the 2026 Youth Month programme moves away from its previous structure to debut a high-impact, accelerated format designed to help emerging creators turn creativity into sustainable careers.
At the heart of the programme is One Big Week, an intensive accelerator in Johannesburg where selected creators will take part in live briefs, mentorship and commercial training in a real creative environment.
As South Africa’s creator economy continues to evolve, the programme is designed to help bridge the gap between creative talent, commercial readiness and long-term opportunity. Rather than treating influence as a short-term moment, the Dentsu School of Influence is built to help creators think more intentionally about the business behind their work.
“South Africa’s creator economy is one of the most exciting and under-structured growth sectors in the country,” says Roxana Ravjee, CEO of dentsu South Africa. “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.”
Developed with CSA, the initiative reflects a growing need for creators to understand not just how to make content, but how to build businesses around their creativity. From brand strategy and audience development to commercial readiness, the programme is designed to help creators level up with greater clarity, confidence and long-term ambition.
“We’re not here to create influencers, but to build digital entrepreneurs,” says Davin Phillips, Executive Director at CSA. “South Africa has no shortage of talent, but talent without structure doesn’t scale. This programme is about turning cultural relevance into commercial opportunity – and ultimately, into jobs.”
For past participants, the impact has been immediate. “Before Dentsu School of Influence, I was creating content. After it, I understood how to build a business,” says programme alumna Lisa Nyamane. “It changed how I see my value and, so importantly, how I show up in the industry.”
Applications are now open for the 2026 intake. Aspiring creators are invited to submit a 60-second video introducing themselves, sharing their creative vision and explaining why they are ready to take the next step in their journey.
One Big Week will take place in Johannesburg from 8 to 12 June 2026, during Youth Month. The next instalment of the programme is set to take place in Cape Town later in the year.
How To Apply:
- Post a 60-second video on your platform sharing your story and creative vision.
- Tag @dentsu_sa and @csa.global.
- Entry deadline: 8 May 2026
- Entry details: Are You the Next Big Creator?
- Check out our website for more information: https://www.dentsu.com/za/en/events/dentsu-school-of-influence
Follow The Journey:
- Instagram: @dentsu_sa | @csa.global
- TikTok: @dentsu_sa
- YouTube: @DENTSUCREATIVESA-t3g and @dentsussa792
ENDS
About dentsu
Dentsu is an integrated growth and transformation partner to the world’s leading organizations. Founded in 1901 in Tokyo, Japan, and now present in over 145 countries and regions, it has a proven track record of nurturing and developing innovations, combining the talents of its global network of leadership brands to develop impactful and integrated growth solutions for clients. Dentsu delivers end-to-end experience transformation (EX) by integrating its services across Media, CXM and Creative, while its business transformation (BX) mindset pushes the boundaries of transformation and sustainable growth for brands, people and society.
Dentsu, Innovating to Impact.
Find out more:
- www.dentsu.com
- www.group.dentsu.com
About CSA
CSA is a culture-led business working at the intersection of storytelling, talent, influence and brand relevance, helping brands connect with audiences in more authentic and meaningful ways.
Find out more:
www.csa.global
FAQ – Dentsu School of Influence 2026
1. What is the Dentsu School of Influence?
The Dentsu School of Influence is a youth development programme in partnership with CSA, designed to help emerging creators turn their creativity into sustainable careers. The 2026 edition introduces a high-impact, accelerated format focused on commercial readiness, brand strategy, and long-term opportunity.
2. Who is behind the programme?
The programme is presented by Dentsu South Africa in partnership with CSA (a culture-led business working at the intersection of storytelling, talent, influence, and brand relevance).
3. What is “One Big Week”?
One Big Week is the heart of the programme – an intensive accelerator held in Johannesburg where selected creators will take part in:
- Live briefs
- Mentorship sessions
- Commercial training in a real creative environment
Dates: 8 to 12 June 2026 (Youth Month)
4. What is the goal of the programme?
The programme aims to help creators move beyond short-term visibility and build sustainable, commercially viable careers. It focuses on:
- Brand strategy
- Audience development
- Commercial readiness
- Turning cultural relevance into business opportunity
“We’re not here to create influencers, but to build digital entrepreneurs.” – Davin Phillips, CSA
5. Who should apply?
Aspiring creators who:
- Have a creative vision and authentic voice
- Are ready to think intentionally about the business behind their work
- Want to turn their creativity into a sustainable career
6. How do I apply?
Step 1: Post a 60-second video on your social media platform (Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube) introducing yourself, sharing your creative vision, and explaining why you’re ready for the next step.
Step 2: Tag @dentsu_sa and @csa.global in your post.
Step 3: Ensure your profile is public so the judges can view your entry.
7. What is the entry deadline?
Entry deadline: 8 May 2026
8. Where will the programme take place?
One Big Week will take place in Johannesburg from 8 to 12 June 2026. A second instalment of the programme is planned for Cape Town later in the year.
9. Is there a cost to participate?
The programme is free to selected participants. Travel and accommodation details (if applicable) will be communicated to successful applicants.
10. How many creators will be selected?
The number of selected participants is limited to ensure an intimate, high-impact experience. Exact numbers are not publicly disclosed but applicants are encouraged to apply early.
11. What do past participants say?
“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, so importantly, how I show up in the industry.”
– Lisa Nyamane, programme alumna
12. What happens after One Big Week?
Selected creators will leave with:
- Practical commercial skills
- Mentorship connections
- A clearer understanding of how to monetise and sustain their creative work
- Potential ongoing opportunities with Dentsu and CSA
13. Is this only for influencers?
No. The programme is for creators, digital entrepreneurs, and emerging talent – not just traditional influencers. If you create content, tell stories, or build community online, you are encouraged to apply.
14. Can I apply if I’m based outside Johannesburg?
Yes. Applications are open to creators from across South Africa. One Big Week takes place in Johannesburg, so selected participants must be available to attend in person from 8 to 12 June 2026.
15. Where can I find more information?
Visit the official website:
https://www.dentsu.com/za/en/events/dentsu-school-of-influence
16. How can I follow the programme?
Follow the journey on social media:
- Instagram: @dentsu_sa | @csa.global
- TikTok: @dentsu_sa
- YouTube: @DENTSUCREATIVESA-t3g | @dentsussa792
17. Who can I contact for more questions?
For any additional inquiries, please reach out via Dentsu South Africa’s official social media channels or the website contact form.
