Nedbank, in collaboration with 702 and CapeTalk, proudly launches the 2026 edition of the prestigious Nedbank Business Ignite competition. Opening today, this renowned initiative celebrates South Africa's most authentic and resilient entrepreneurs under the powerful theme “My Pain. My Purpose. My Solution”.
In a country grappling with economic challenges such as high unemployment, rising costs, lack of infrastructure and limited access to credit, many entrepreneurs are forced to innovate out of necessity. Nedbank Business Ignite 2026 honors founders whose business journeys stem from personal problems and whose solutions have meaningful community impact.
This year's theme is powerfully illustrated by the journeys of diverse South African entrepreneurs who have turned personal adversities into innovative business solutions. Consider the woman who, after struggling to find bras that were both supportive and stylish, created a line that empowers women with confidence and comfort. Or the dedicated parents who, inspired by the lack of accessible autism resources for their child, developed tailored educational tools that are now benefiting countless families.
Then there is the health-conscious innovator, who, frustrated with tasteless sugar-free drinks, created a product that not only satisfies people's taste buds but also promotes a healthy lifestyle. These stories capture the essence of “My Pain. My Purpose. My Solution”, demonstrating how life experience ignites solutions that resonate far beyond individual difficulties to serve broader communities.
Businesses with a turnover between R1m and R30m are invited to enter via the competition's newly improved website and entry form. This year also introduces an insightful podcast series hosted by respected business coach Thuli Magubane, who will continue to advise participants on how to align their strategies for maximum impact.
Submissions will be evaluated on five criteria: original story authenticity, problem solution fit, market validity and scalability, founder resilience and conviction, and social/community impact.
Fifteen finalists per station will be shortlisted and celebrated at two grand awards evenings in July 2026. Each overall winner will receive R200,000 cash and R200,000 worth of radio advertising on 702 or CapeTalk, amplifying their success across the country.
Mazo Jozwana, Chief Content Officer, Primedia Broadcasting, said, “In a country where entrepreneurship often arises from deep personal adversity, Nedbank Business Ignite 2026 provides an important platform to honor those whose resilience turns pain into purpose. This competition not only celebrates innovative solutions, but also acknowledges the profound social ripples such enterprises create. We are privileged to share these stories, which A symbol of hope, perseverance and transformative power that inspires business leaders across South Africa.”
Alan Shannon, Nedbank's Small Business Services, Private Wealth and Private Clients executive, elaborated that “South African entrepreneurs are some of the most resilient problem-solvers in the world. Behind many successful small businesses lies a deeply personal story of perseverance, purpose and innovation.
Through Nedbank Business Ignite 2026, we're celebrating founders who have transformed real-life challenges into meaningful solutions that uplift communities and create economic opportunity. We are dedicated to enabling entrepreneurs to grow through solid support, strategic partnerships, access to funding, mentorship and platforms that help grow their businesses.'
Entrepreneurs are now encouraged to submit their entries here https://igniteyourbusiness.co.za/ Or Primediaplus.com. Join Nedbank, 702 and CapeTalk in celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit that transforms personal challenges into transformative business success and meaningful community impact.