Apply for the 2025 Lions Den Business Plan Competition

 

By Fred Felton | Mar. 19, 2025

If you have a small, medium, micro-enterprise (SMMEs) or cooperative and your business is within eThekwini then eThekwini Municipality would like to invite you to enter the 2025 Lions Den Business Plan Competition.

Past beneficiaries of eThekwini Municipality's Lions Den Business Plan Competition have heaped praise on the initiative, highlighting significant growth and new opportunities unlocked following their recognition and prizes received. The competition is currently open for this year's instalment. SMMEs and cooperatives are urged to apply. Picture: SUPPLIED. 

The closing date for entries is 18 April.

The aim of this competition is to build an entrepreneurial culture and create jobs.

There is also the opportunity for businesses to acquire essential development resources and have the chance to win prizes to build their business.

There will be three categories for the competition namely Emerging Business, Established Business, and Entrepreneurial Excellence.

Competition categories are:

Emerging Business: SMMEs with viable business ideas and an annual turnover of less than R100 000.

Established Business: SMMEs that are looking to expand, with annual turnovers between R100 000 and R500 000.

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Businesses with an annual turnover of more than R500 000 that have shown exceptional business practices and leadership.

Those that enter will have the chance to pitch their business ideas or expansion plans to a panel of adjudicators.

Prizes on offer for the winners include business development prizes, funding, equipment, and raw materials to help build their business.

You can get your application forms from the Business Support, Tourism, Markets, and Agri-Business Unit located at the Embassy Building, 7^th floor, 199 Anton Lembede Street.

Forms are also available at any Sizakala Centre or the SEDA eThekwini Office.

You can also get applications from www.durban.gov.za or from this link: https://www.durban.gov.za/storage/Documents/Application%20Forms/Business%20Licensing/2025%20EThekwini%20Municipality%20Lions%20Den%20Business%20Plan%20Competition%20Application%20Form.pdf

Submit your applications to Yanga Nyakeni at yanga.nyakeni@durban.gov.za

The Lions Den Programme has had a big impact on local SMMEs over the years.

An example of a success story is Samkelisiwe Sithole, founder of Luhnyenzi Farm, who won the Emerging Business Category last year.

She received R20 000 worth of packaging materials, including a wrapping machine, which she said helped her operations.

‘’The material lasted three months and helped us appear more professional. Winning this award opened many doors, including recognition from various stakeholders with some approaching us for collaborations. This also boosted faith in our brand as we also offer training,’’ said Sithole.

For more information contact Yanga Nyakeni on 031 309 8280.