South Africa’s aspiring business leaders and entrepreneurs have another opportunity to take their ventures to the next level as the Nedbank Pitch & Polish competition opens entries for its 16th season.
Known for shaping some of the country’s most promising entrepreneurs, the initiative continues to blend competition with practical business development, offering participants a platform to refine and scale their businesses.
At its core, the programme is designed for entrepreneurs who already have established, tested business ideas and are ready to grow. Participants go through a series of elimination rounds, where they pitch their businesses while receiving hands-on mentorship and training. This support is delivered in partnership with Raizcorp, one of Africa’s leading business incubators, ensuring that contestants gain real-world skills in strategy, systems and sustainability.
The competition is open to South African entrepreneurs who are confident in their business models, eager to learn and willing to challenge their thinking. Beyond the contestants, the initiative also benefits the broader public, as the journey unfolds in a 16-episode online series, offering viewers valuable insights into building and running a successful business.
A major highlight of the programme is the prize package. This year’s winner will walk away with a total of R1 million, made up of R650 000 in cash and a R350 000 bursary towards a two-year incubation programme with Raizcorp. Second and third place winners will receive R100 000 and R50 000, respectively giving multiple entrepreneurs a financial boost to grow their businesses.
Applications for Season 16 are now open, with entries closing on 10 April 2026. Entrepreneurs ready to take the leap can apply online and stand a chance to gain not only funding, but the tools, networks and mentorship needed to build resilient, future-focused businesses.
Watch Season 16 of Pitch & Polish on the official series platform, at https://pitchandpolish.com/ and learn alongside South Africa’s emerging entrepreneurs.
