R1 Million up for Grabs in SME National Pitch Challenge

The Standard Bank Kasi SME Pitch Challenge is back and bigger than ever! Now in its second national edition, the competition offers qualifying entrepreneurs across all the nine South African provinces the chance to compete for provincial prizes and ultimately a grand prize of R1 million at the national finals later this year. The provincial round of applications of the contest opened on Wednesday, 06 May 2026 and closes on 22 May 2026.

The Kasi SME Summit, celebrating its 4th anniversary in 2026, continues to accelerate the commercialisation of SME enterprises and unlock meaningful market access pathways for these businesses. Effectively, the Summit provides the tools, networks and platforms businesses need to scale sustainably.

Building on the momentum of previous years, the 2026 Summit sharpens its focus on connecting SME entrepreneurs to real economic opportunities. This includes linking them with corporate supply chains, retail partners, financiers, digital marketplaces, and ecosystem enablers committed to inclusive growth.

In each province, 10 entrepreneurs will be shortlisted to pitch their businesses to a panel of judges. From these, the top three will be selected, with the provincial winner receiving R50,000, while the first and second runners-up will each receive R10,000.

The nine provincial winners, along with one first runner-up (forming a Top 10), will advance to the Standard Bank Kasi SME National Pitch Challenge, where they will compete for the

R1 million grand prize, with one overall winner taking all.

As part of the journey to the national finals, the Top 10 participants will also gain access to a Standard Bank Enterprise and Supplier Development pitching masterclass, designed to refine their business models, storytelling, and presentation skills ahead of the finals later this year.

“As Standard Bank, we are proud to see how the Kasi SME Summit has grown into a launchpad for entrepreneurial success. The National Pitch Challenge gives township SMEs the stage to showcase their innovation and resilience. This initiative reflects Standard Bank’s ongoing commitment to unlocking market access and creating pathways for sustainable business growth,” says Naledzani Mosomane, Head of Enterprise and Supplier Development at Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank South Africa.

“Township businesses are important to local communities as well as to the broader South African economy. By combining funding with knowledge, mentorship and national visibility, the bank aims to help these entrepreneurs transform their ideas into enterprises that can thrive well beyond their immediate markets.”

The criteria includes:

• 51% or more black owned;
• Businesses within South African townships;
• A valid BBBEE Certificate or sworn affidavit;
• A registered business with CIPC;
• Participants must be 18 years or older and have a valid tax certificate for the business;
• The business must have been operational for a minimum of 2 years prior to the date of the Competition; and have a total annual revenue of less than R50 million.

As a partner in growth, through deep sector expertise, digital innovation, human-led engagements and strong market penetration/access, Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking is committed to helping businesses unlock their full growth potential.

Interested SME entrepreneurs must visit Standard Bank Kasi SME Pitch Challenge to apply for the Standard Bank 2026 Kasi SME Pitch Challenge and secure their chance at a million-rand grand prize before Friday, 22 May 2026.