2025 Business Partners Limited SME Toolkit SA Competition
The 2025 Business Partners Limited SME Toolkit SA Competition is designed to empower and support aspiring young entrepreneurs. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, this competition offers a unique opportunity to turn your business vision into reality.
π About the Competition
The SME Toolkit SA Competition, hosted annually by Business Partners Limited, aims to inspire and support young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35. Launched in 2009, the competition aligns with Youth Day and has become a cornerstone for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in South Africa.
This year marks the 16th anniversary of the competition, offering participants the chance to gain expert guidance, develop their business plans, and compete for exciting prizes.
π Key Details
- Date Published: July 9, 2025
- Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
- Category: Contest, Entrepreneurs
- Opportunity Location: South Africa
- Eligible Locations: South Africa
π Benefits
The national winner of the competition will receive:
- A mentorship voucher worth R50,000
- A cash prize of R50,000
- Additional prizes for the 1st and 2nd runners-up
π Eligibility Criteria
- Young and aspiring business owners aged 18 to 35.
π Competition Phases
The competition is divided into three phases:
Phase 1: Workshops
All participants will be invited to attend workshops in key locations such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, Soweto, Durban, and Cape Town.
If more than 20 entries are received from other areas, workshops will also be hosted in regions like Polokwane, Nelspruit, Bloemfontein, Kimberley, Port Elizabeth, and East London.
During the workshops, participants will learn to:
- Develop a comprehensive business plan
- Create a marketing strategy
- Understand and manage cash flow solutions
These sessions also provide excellent networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs.
Phase 2: Business Plan Submission
Participants must submit a complete business plan by November 30, 2025, for judging.
- 10 finalists will be selected to proceed to the final round.
- Finalists will participate in interviews with a panel of judges.
Phase 3: National Award Ceremony
The national award ceremony will be held in Johannesburg in February 2026, where the winners will be celebrated.
π Application Process
- Apply online via the official application portal.
π Application Deadline
- July 31, 2025
π Why Participate?
If you:
- Have a brilliant business idea waiting to take off,
- Are struggling to turn your current business venture into a profit, or
- Need expert guidance to develop your business plan,
This competition is for you! Itβs a chance to gain valuable skills, mentorship, and funding to bring your entrepreneurial dreams to life.
For more details, visit the official competition page.
- A mentorship voucher to the value of R50 000
- A cash prize of R50 000
- 1st and 2nd runner up prizes are also up for grabs