Nedbank Pitch & Polish Returns to Grow South Africa’s Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Nedbank Group has officially opened entries for the 16th season of Nedbank Pitch & Polish, one of the country’s longest-running initiatives dedicated to developing and scaling entrepreneurial talent.

Over the past 15 seasons, the programme has helped founders refine their strategies, strengthen operational systems and build more resilient businesses. What distinguishes Pitch & Polish is its structured combination of competition, mentorship and practical business education, where entrepreneurs compete through a series of pitch rounds while receiving intensive training from Africa’s leading business incubator, Raizcorp.

Participants ultimately compete for a R1 million prize package, while gaining access to mentorship, commercial training and entrepreneurial development designed to strengthen their businesses beyond the competition itself.

Monique Chinnah, Senior Manager: Beyond Banking at Nedbank

Monique Chinnah, Senior Manager: Beyond Banking at Nedbank, says the initiative reflects the bank’s long-term commitment to supporting South African entrepreneurs as they navigate an increasingly complex business environment.

“Today’s small businesses are operating in a landscape that requires rapid digital adoption, resilience in the face of economic shifts and a growing focus on sustainability as part of long-term growth,” says Chinnah. “Access to the right tools, networks and capital can make the difference between simply surviving and truly thriving.”

She adds that the bank’s involvement goes beyond funding. “Our sponsorship of Pitch & Polish reflects our commitment to empowering South African entrepreneurs with more than financial support. We are investing in capability, confidence, connection and congruence. The goal is to help emerging founders sharpen their business models and unlock opportunities that drive innovation, create jobs and strengthen communities.”

The programme unfolds across multiple elimination rounds and is released as a 16-episode online series, creating a public learning platform where viewers can also gain practical insight into building and running a business.

Last season attracted more than 10.5 million viewers, highlighting the growing national appetite for entrepreneurship and accessible business education.

This year’s winner will receive R650 000 in cash, along with a R350 000 bursary for a two-year incubation programme with Raizcorp. The second- and third-place winners will receive R100 000 and R50 000, respectively.

Since winning Pitch & Polish in 2023, Tshireletso Mokate, founder of Camping RetrEats, has expanded the business by introducing a Premium Deluxe offering and launching a manufacturing stream for camping equipment and repairs.

Although 2023 was one of the company’s strongest revenue years, Mokate says the business faced operational challenges, including vehicle accidents, rising overheads and price increases that affected customers.

The Premium offering, funded through the Pitch & Polish prize money, proved critical.

“Without it, the business would have been approximately R3 million down in turnover,” he explains.

Using lessons from the programme, the company focused on product innovation and system-driven operations. As part of the prize investment, Camping RetrEats acquired a manufacturing operation and now produces camping tents while handling repairs internally. This has reduced operational costs while creating a new revenue stream.

The company has also partnered with a leading car brand in South Africa, helping generate R4 million in revenue during a single activation weekend.

Mokate says one lesson from the programme continues to shape how he approaches growth.

“Allon Raiz once said, ‘Often times when your business grows, your profit margins tend to diminish as well.’ That stayed with me. Business is not only about size or customer numbers, it is about delivering deliberate value so customers see your service as essential.”

Reflecting on the competition, he says one question from the judges changed his perspective as an entrepreneur.

“I was asked what I would do with a R20 million investment. That was a turning point because I realised I had not thought that far ahead. I needed to become R20 million ready.”

As South Africa’s SMME sector continues to play a vital role in job creation and economic participation, programmes that combine financial support with rigorous business development remain critical.

According to Allon Raiz, CEO of Raizcorp, the programme was designed to help entrepreneurs build businesses that can operate beyond founder dependency.

“The programme creates a structured learning environment where entrepreneurs refine their thinking and systems so their businesses can grow sustainably,” he says. “The combination of mentorship and public accountability encourages participants to challenge their assumptions and improve decision-making.”

Entrepreneurs interested in entering Season 16 of Pitch & Polish can apply before 10 April 2026 through the official programme platform.