Call for Applications: KwaZulu-Natal Bambelela Business Awards

South Africa
KwaZulu-Natal
SMEs
Entrepreneurship
Funding

The Hollywood Foundation is thrilled to announce the 2025 edition of the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Bambelela Business Awards, a prestigious event that honours the extraordinary contributions of local entrepreneurs in KZN.

The Bambelela Business Awards are more than a recognition of talent; they are a beacon of support, offering tangible resources and encouragement to those forging ahead on their entrepreneurial journey.

The two-day programme will begin with an Exhibition and Seminar, where qualifying SMMEs will have the opportunity to showcase their businesses to a panel of judges by either exhibiting or pitching for funding. These esteemed judges will then evaluate each participant, seeking out the businesses that have demonstrated exceptional merit, creativity, and community impact.

For those who rise to the top, the rewards are significant. Winners will walk away with the prestige of a Bambelela Business Award and a share of R1 Million in funding, generously sponsored by the Hollywood Foundation. This funding has been increased from the previous year’s prize pool, underscoring the Foundation’s commitment to boosting local businesses and further empowering KZN’s entrepreneurs.

The Hollywood Foundation invites all eligible small businesses in KZN to seize this incredible opportunity.

Qualification Requirements:

  • Must be 100% black-owned business
  • Local business – registered and operating in KwaZulu Natal
  • Formal and/or informal registered local business
  • Business must be in operation for at least 12 months and have a proven track record of trading.
  • Business Profile or clear description of the nature of the company/business

Click here to apply

Closing date
Industry
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
​Mining and quarrying
​Manufacturing
​Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply
Water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities
​Construction
​Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles
​Transportation and storage
Accommodation and food service activities
​Information and communication
Financial and insurance activities
​Real estate activities
Professional, scientific and technical activities
Administrative and support service activities
Public administration and defence; compulsory social security
​Education
Human health and social work activities
​Arts, entertainment and recreation
​Other service activities
Activities of households as employers; undifferentiated goods-and-service-producing activities of households for own use
​Activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies, not economically active people, unemployed people etc.
Website link
https://hollywoodfoundation.co.za/