Three Nelson Mandela Bay businesses have emerged as winners in the inaugural Business Ignition Challenge, a collaboration between the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber and Standard Bank. The challenge recognised exceptional small businesses across three categories: Township-based, Youth-owned, and those registered with the Chamber’s Entrepreneurship Desk.
A call for applications was released on 18 October 2024 and 14 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) were shortlisted and subsequently presented to a panel of judges which included representatives from the Chamber and Standard Bank. Their pitches focused on the value proposition of each business and how grant funding would assist their growth and sustainability.
Events Crafted took the top spot in the Entrepreneurship Desk category, receiving a R70,000 grant to purchase essential event management equipment and cover six months of storage space rental. Additionally, an intern will be provided to enhance the company’s administrative capacity.
In the Township-based business category, Malitshe Designs, a home décor and furniture manufacturer specialising in African-inspired products, was awarded R40,000. This funding will help purchase machinery to reduce outsourcing costs.
Natually Nirvana, a youth-owned eco-friendly haircare brand founded by a third-year student at Nelson Mandela University, won the Youth-owned category and received R40,000 to buy a filling machine and expand its garden for increased production.
Chamber CEO Denise Van Huyssteen emphasised the important role entrepreneurs have to play in igniting the resurgence of the local economy. She said that the Chamber launched the Entrepreneurship Desk before its other Bay of Opportunity initiatives, highlighting its belief in entrepreneurship in diversifying and growing the economy.
“It is clear that the Bay has so much potential but it is up to each of us to be proactive, take action and drive the future we want. Above all, think out of the box – don’t be afraid of experiment and rise to new challenges. As such, I am looking forward to see how you, the entrepreneurs, will actively shape and unlock the potential of the Bay of Opportunity,” she said.
Another winner was Zwide based Malitshe Designs, who clinched the township based business category and was awarded a grant of R40 000. The business is a home décor and furniture manufacturing company with key focus on creating African-inspired products that showcase the beauty of the African continent. The grant will go towards the purchase of machines to capacitate the business and eliminate costs associated with outsourcing.
Van Huyssteen further highlighted that each winning company will also receive a year of free Chamber membership and access to the Entrepreneurship Desk’s resources, while the other shortlisted businesses will benefit from mentorship and tailored support to address operational gaps.
The Desk currently supports over 300 businesses, of which 54% are female owned and almost 70% black owned. It is supported by its partners Borbet SA, MTN, Standard Bank and Engie.
Standard Bank’s Head of Enterprise in the Eastern Cape, Jonty Louw, said that “as a corporate partner with the Chamber, we recognise the challenges faced by MSME’s and constantly seek ways in supporting them to overcome these challenges. The collaborative efforts gave birth to the Business Ignition Challenge which provided MSME’s a platform to pitch their business to a panel of judges and how a grant fund will be a solution for their business needs. The grant funding is part of the Enterprise Development offering to MSME’s who meets the qualifying criteria.”
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Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is a beautiful city located on the coast in the Eastern Cape Province and is known as the “Friendly City”, with other towns in this district including Kariega (Uitenage) and Despatch. Forming part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, Gqeberha has stunning beaches, historical museums and memorials, award-winning wildlife sanctuaries and super friendly people, making it a spectacular holiday destination.
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