Applications have opened for the 17th Annual Business Partners Limited/SME Toolkit SA Business Plan Competition 2026, targeting South Africans aged 18 to 35 with business ideas or early-stage ventures.
The programme aims to turn ideas into viable businesses by helping entrants build comprehensive business plans—a key step for securing funding and improving investment readiness.
Participants will receive mentorship, business-planning support, digital planning tools and workshops covering business models, marketing strategy, cash flow and financial planning.
Practical sessions are planned in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Soweto, Durban and Cape Town, while successful entrants will also compete for cash prizes and further business development support.
The competition is positioned as a pipeline for young entrepreneurs to gain exposure, strengthen execution skills and improve access to future funding opportunities before the Sept. 12, 2026 deadline.