EThekwini Municipality invites small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) and cooperatives within eThekwini to apply to be part of the 2025 Lions Den Business Plan Competition.
Applications close on 18 April.
The competition aims to foster an entrepreneurial culture while unlocking job creation.
It also offers local businesses the opportunity to access critical development resources and stand the chance to win prizes to elevate their operations.
The competition will be held in three categories namely Emerging Business, Established Business, and Entrepreneurial Excellence.
Competition categories and thresholds are as follows:
- Emerging Business: SMMEs with viable business ideas and an annual turnover of less than R100 000.
- Established Business: SMMEs seeking expansion, with annual turnovers between R100 000 and R500 000.
- Entrepreneurial Excellence: Businesses with an annual turnover of more than R500 000 that have demonstrated exceptional business practices and leadership.
Participants will have the opportunity to pitch their business ideas or expansion plans to a panel of adjudicators.
Winners will receive business development prizes, including funding, equipment, and raw materials to help scale their businesses.
Application forms are available from the Business Support, Tourism, Markets, and Agri-Business Unit located at the Embassy Building, 7th floor, 199 Anton Lembede Street.
Forms can also be obtained from any Sizakala Centre or the SEDA eThekwini Office.
Application forms can also be downloaded from www.durban.gov.za or via this link: 2025 EThekwini Municipality Lions Den Business Plan Competition Application Form.pdf
Applications can be submitted to Yanga Nyakeni at yanga.nyakeni@durban.gov.za
Over the years, the Lions Den Programme has had a significant impact on local SMMEs.
One such success story is that of Samkelisiwe Sithole, the 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 enhanced her operations.
Commenting on the impact of the initiative Sithole said: “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.”
Her poultry farming business now employs three people.
For further enquiries, businesses can contact Yanga Nyakeni on 031 309 8280.
