Big four bank Nedbank has opened applications for the Nedbank Pitch & Polish competition. Now in its 16th year, the competition sees 16 ambitious entrepreneurs go head-to-head in a high-stakes showdown for various prizes.
This year’s edition introduces uMngeni-uThukela Water as a new partner alongside Nedbank, reinforcing collaboration between corporate and public sector stakeholders to support growth-ready small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The programme unfolds across multiple elimination rounds and is released as a 16-episode online series, creating a public learning environment where viewers also gain practical insight into business fundamentals.
The winner of this year’s Nedbank Pitch & Polish will receive R650 000 in cash and a R350 000 bursary for a two-year incubation programme with Raizcorp. Second and third place winners receive R100 000 and R50 000, respectively.
Over 15 seasons, the programme has supported entrepreneurs in refining their strategy, strengthening their systems and building more resilient businesses. What sets the programme apart is its proven ability to develop entrepreneurs through a blend of competition, one-on-one mentoring and entrepreneurial learning. In the process, they gain entrepreneurial skills and knowledge through intensive mentorship and commercial training delivered through business incubator, Raizcorp.
“We understand that today’s small businesses are navigating an increasingly complex landscape, from adopting digital solutions at pace, to building resilience in a changing economic climate, and championing sustainability as a core part of growth,” says Monique Chinnah, Senior Manager: Beyond Banking.
How it Works: Competition Rounds
The competition follows a four-round format, which is as follows:
- Round 1: Contestants battle it out in four colour-coded groups – red, blue, green, and yellow – with only the top two from each advancing to round 2.
- Round 2: The remaining two contestants from each group go head-to-head, but only one per group advances – leaving just four entrepreneurs standing in the semi-final.
- Semi-Final: The contestants compete for just two spots in the final. But there’s a twist – at the end of the semi-final, a wildcard competitor enters the game.
- Final: The two finalists face off against the wildcard, battling it out for the top spot. One walks away the champion, one grabs first runner-up, and one claims second runner-up.
How to Enter
If you want to enter the Pitch and Polish competition, there are various details required in the application form. These include:
Step 1: Personal Details
The application form will require basic personal details such as name, surname, ID number, contact details and gender. Once filled in, the application form will take you to the next page.
Step 2: Business Details
The following business details are required in step 2:
- Name of your business
- If your business is registered and trading
- Start date of the business
- If you are the owner of the mentioned business
- Business registration number
- Total turnover for the past six months
- If your business has a website
- Average monthly turnover (minimum requirement is R20 000 per month)
- Number of full-time employees
- Number of part-time employees (if applicable)
- If you have any business partners (if yes, are they aware you are entering the competition)
Note: All business details will be verified by Nedbank.
Step 3: Business operation details
The third step requires you to provide details on your business. Questions are as follows:
- Question 1: Explain what your business is/does
- Question 2: Explain why your business is different
- Question 3: What is the biggest life challenge you have faced, and how did you deal with it?· Question 4: If you are given R100 000 tomorrow, how would you spend it?
- Question 5: What is the biggest obstacle to growing your business? All questions in step 3 are a requirement. Your application will not go through if you have not answered them.
Why is This Opportunity Important for SMEs?
Participating in opportunities such as the Nedbank Pitch and Polish competition is not only about potentially receiving funding. These programmes provide participants with mentorship, skills development, business growth opportunities and access to networks.
Some of the other benefits include:
- Address Skills Shortage: Through incubators, SMEs can access specialised training, apprenticeships and bootcamps that are tailored to meet the needs of the business.
- Drive Productivity and Innovation: Leveraging digital skills programmes can help SMEs stay competitive and boost business progress.
- Access to Capital: These programmes help SMEs overcome limited access to credit, enabling them to invest in growth, new equipment, and operational expansion.
- Improved Competitiveness: Tailored training allows SMEs to keep up with technological advancements, market changes, and industry standards
As South Africa’s SME sector continues to shoulder the responsibility of job creation and local economic participation, programmes that combine sponsorship with rigorous business development play a crucial role.
“The programme was designed as a structured learning environment where entrepreneurs refine their thinking and systems to grow beyond founder dependence,” says Raizcorp CEO Allon Raiz. “The combination of mentorship through the programme as well as public accountability encourages participants to test their assumptions and confront weaknesses in their models for better decision-making.”
Applications for the Nedbank Pitch and Polish competition close on the 10th of April 2026. For more information, visit the Pitch & Polish website.
Big four bank Nedbank has opened applications for the Nedbank Pitch & Polish competition. Now in its 16th year, the competition sees 16 ambitious entrepreneurs… Read More
