Deadline Date: August 31, 2026
The 2026 Business Partners Limited SME Toolkit SA Competition is designed to empower and support aspiring young entrepreneurs by helping them build a strong foundation to start and grow successful businesses.
The competition focuses on business planning, marketing strategy, cash flow management, entrepreneurship development, business growth, mentorship, networking, and access to business management resources. The competition is aimed at supporting participants with practical business knowledge while providing a platform to develop their entrepreneurial skills and connect with like-minded innovators.
The competition takes place in three phases. During the first phase, all participants who enter the competition will be invited to attend a workshop in one of the following locations: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Soweto, Durban, or Cape Town. If more than 20 entries are received from additional areas, workshops will also be hosted in Polokwane, Nelspruit, Bloemfontein, Kimberley, Port Elizabeth, East London, and other eligible regions.
These workshops will help participants develop a comprehensive business plan, create a marketing plan or strategy, and understand and manage cash flow solutions. They also provide opportunities to network, exchange ideas, and build lasting business relationships.
To progress to the second phase, participants must submit a complete business plan by 30 November for judging. From all submissions, 10 finalists will be selected to advance to the final round, where they will participate in interviews with a panel of judges.
The national award ceremony will take place in Johannesburg in February 2026, where the finalists will be recognised and celebrated. The national winner will receive funding and support worth R100,000, including a mentorship voucher valued at R50,000 and a R50,000 cash prize. Prizes will also be awarded to the first and second runners-up.
The competition is open to aspiring young entrepreneurs who enter the SME Toolkit SA Competition, attend the required workshop, and submit a complete business plan by the stated deadline to be considered for judging.
For more information, visit SME Toolkit.
