Nedbank Business Ignite 2026 Opens Entries for Entrepreneurs
Nedbank Business Ignite 2026 Opens Entries for Entrepreneurs. South African entrepreneurs with businesses generating between R1 million and R30 million in annual turnover are being invited to enter the 2026 edition of the Nedbank Business Ignite 2026 competition, a platform designed to recognise founders whose businesses have emerged from personal challenges and gone on to create meaningful impact.
Launched by Nedbank in partnership with 702 and CapeTalk, this year’s competition carries the theme “My Pain. My Purpose. My Solution.”
According to the organisers, the initiative seeks to celebrate entrepreneurs who have transformed personal experiences into business solutions that address real-world problems while contributing to economic growth and community development.
The competition launches against a backdrop of ongoing economic pressures facing South Africa, including unemployment, rising living costs, infrastructure challenges and constrained access to finance. Organisers said these conditions have prompted many entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions rooted in lived experiences.
Entries will be evaluated across five key areas: the authenticity of the founder’s story, the alignment between the identified problem and solution, market viability and scalability, entrepreneurial resilience and conviction, and broader social or community impact.
This year also introduces a new podcast series hosted by business coach Thuli Magubane. The series is intended to provide participants with insights and guidance aimed at strengthening their business strategies and preparing them for the competition process.
Following the evaluation stage, 15 finalists from each participating radio station audience will be shortlisted and recognised at gala award events scheduled for July 2026.
The overall winners will each receive R200,000 in cash together with R200,000 worth of advertising on either 702 or CapeTalk, providing additional exposure for their businesses.
Mzo Jojwana, chief content officer at Primedia Broadcasting, said the competition provides an opportunity to highlight entrepreneurs whose businesses have emerged from adversity and are creating positive change.
Alan Shannon, executive of small business services, private wealth and private clients at Nedbank, said the programme recognises entrepreneurs who have turned personal challenges into opportunities that benefit communities and contribute to economic activity.
Organisers are encouraging eligible entrepreneurs to submit their entries through the official competition platform.
Applications for Nedbank Business Ignite 2026 can be submitted online at:
Nedbank Business Ignite 2026 Entry Portal
