South Africa’s most loved and longest-running pitching competition is back in 2023! Sponsored once more by Engen, Nedbank and Raizcorp, Engen Pitch & Polish 2023 will again see 16 success-hungry entrepreneurs pitted against each other for a first prize worth R1 million – R650 000 in cash and a R350 000 bursary for a Raizcorp incubation programme.
The second prize is R100 000 in cash and the third prize R50 000 in cash. Like the previous two years, the competition will be fully digital with weekly episodes released online between July and October – providing contestants with nationwide exposure.
Says Khalid Latiff, Engen General Manager: Corporate Strategy and Communications, “South Africa’s economic future rests heavily on the quality of its entrepreneurs. Over the years, Engen Pitch & Polish has helped many aspiring entrepreneurs develop the necessary skills to become confident, passionate and successful businesspeople.
Engen Pitch & Polish has witnessed a diverse range of entrepreneurs convert an idea into successful and profitable businesses, whilst expanding their workforces and providing employment to more people – who in turn can provide for their families – thus helping address unemployment, poverty and inequality. This is the real impact of Pitch & Polish.”
Alan Shannon, Nedbank Executive: Small Business Services and Private Clients, agrees, “As a bank for small business, Nedbank is proud to continue our partnership with Pitch & Polish as it aims to give entrepreneurs a helping hand. Given the current challenge of the energy crisis and the impact it has on small businesses, our support is required even more. Drawing on our money expertise to do good, we are not only contributing to the growth and success of these businesses, but also helping to strengthen local economies and create long-term value for the businesses and the communities they serve.”
With episode views exceeding 2,5 million in 2021 and 3,6 million in 2022, Pitch & Polish has made a highly successful transition from its original physical workshop format to its new digital format. The digital format sees 16 contestants polishing their pitches over four rounds until only two finalists plus one wildcard compete in the final round. Last year, it was Luvo Gugwana of Green Arch Innovations in KwaZulu-Natal who was crowned the winner. Green Arch Innovations offers smart, sustainable food-production systems including a franchise aquaponics model.
“It’s a really great honour to be recognised by Pitch & Polish as the earnings will be significant for our enterprise. We want to upscale our project and increase our franchise systems but it wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for winning this prize. The R350 000 bursary for a Raizcorp incubation programme will be integral in making sure we are taking the right step to take our business forward.”
In 2023, the Engen Pitch & Polish programme will again provide the selected contestants with a structured learning programme and their own business mentors from Raizcorp. Throughout the process, the entrepreneurs will be supported as they hone and improve their pitches and, even if they don’t take home one of the prizes, they will walk away equipped with valuable business knowledge and skills.
Criteria and entries
Entrepreneurs from all over South Africa who own a registered business or are a sole proprietor are invited to enter online at www.pitchandpolish.com.
Entries open on 13 March and close on 10 April 2023.
