Latest news with #StandardBankSouthAfrica
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Agricultural innovation takes centre stage at Nampo Harvest Day 2025
Agricultural experts continue to heap praise at the Nampo Harvest Day conference, which entered the second day o in Bothaville in the Free State on Wednesday. South Africa's agricultural industry has highlighted its resilience in the face of many challenges at the 2025 Nampo Harvest Day conference, which entered the second day on Wednesday in Bothaville in the Free State. Brendan Jacobs, head of agribusiness at Standard Bank South Africa, said agriculture was under pressure from rising input costs, extreme weather events, tightening margins, and trade agreement challenges. 'Nampo Harvest Day 2025 arrives at a pivotal moment for South Africa's farming sector. This year's Nampo is more than an exhibition; it is a rallying point for real-world, farmer-led solutions. "From mechanisation and market access to financial tools and agri-tech, the event brings together farmers, agribusinesses, and financiers to explore what it will take to sustain growth and resilience across the sector.' Jacobs said the discussions at Nampo were foscused on enabling long-term resilience in the sector. He said that as trade uncertainty looms, especially around the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) and shifting global trade dynamics, there was growing urgency to expand regional trade and create new pathways for South African produce into other global markets. 'One such market is furthering trade into Africa, and we are very excited as Standard Bank to be hosting our Heads of Agribusiness from 14 other African countries at Nampo 2025," he said. "We look forward to the opportunity of connecting our South African clients with leaders in these countries in which we operate on the continent for potential opportunities and simultaneously for our colleagues from these countries to take best practices identified at Nampo back to their environments.' Jacobs said that with South Africa exporting over half its agricultural production by value, and nearly 26% by volume, the resilience of the sector depended on agility in the face of both global and domestic shifts. 'This is arguably one of the most significant years for agriculture in decades. Whether we are talking about export markets or sustainability, success will hinge on how well we align policy, innovation, and grassroots execution to support those who feed the nation," he said. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, said Nampo was well attended and the mood was upbeat amongst farmers when he was a panellist on Tuesday. "I also participated in a panel discussion hosted by Nation In Conversion. In front of a packed studio audience, we focused on South Africa's agriculture outlook. We covered agricultural production, trade, macroeconomic conditions, and the global political environment, among other themes,' he said. Sihlobo added that the various commodity associations, anchors of South Africa's commercial agriculture, were also present, and multiple stakeholders were engaged. 'The farm stalls would not miss the opportunity to showcase the cuisine and 'koeksisters,' amongst other delicacies, one would typically find in rural South Africa. The members of the public — young and old, established and aspirant farmers — were there in droves to feast on the Nampo activities.' Agri SA CEO, Johann Kotze, said farmers will always found opportunities and continue with what they know best—farming—regardless of what people say, locally and internationally. Visit:
The Citizen
06-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Today is your last chance to enter the Kasi SME pitch challenge with R60k prize
R30 000 will be awarded to the first-place winner, R20 000 to the second-place winner and R10 000 to the third-place winner. Today is the closing date for provincial entries to win a share of R60 000 from the Standard Bank Kasi SME Pitch Challenge. The bank said this year is the first time the competition is going national, giving township entrepreneurs in all nine provinces a chance to pitch for the provincial prize money. 'Top township entrepreneurs will advance to the national finals later this year, competing for a bigger monetary prize, exposure and growth opportunities for their businesses,' read the statement. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role in providing employment to South Africans, and to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). About the SME Pitch Challenge The Kasi SME Pitch Challenge previously focused only on Gauteng-based entrepreneurs, but this is changing this year. In each province, 15 entrepreneurs will be shortlisted and invited to pitch their businesses to a panel of judges. From these, the top three winners will be selected, with R30 000 awarded to the first-place winner, R20 000 to the second-place winner and R10 000 to the third-place winner. The bank added that the top two winners in each province will then gain access to a detailed pitching masterclass designed to sharpen their business models, storytelling abilities, and presentation skills. 'These finalists will prepare to compete against winners from the other provinces at the national finals later this year, where a share of R500 000 in prize money is up for grabs.' ALSO READ: How mental health affects entrepreneurs Kasi SME Summit Naledzani Mosomane, Head of Enterprise Development at Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank South Africa said this is the third year of the Kasi SME summit. Through this, entrepreneurs gain practical tools, expert insights and access to growth opportunities. 'For years, township entrepreneurs have been an unstoppable force for economic growth and social change.' Eligible township entrepreneurs must: Be black South African citizens. Be formally registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission or trading as sole proprietors. Be operating businesses that are at least 51% black-owned, with a valid B-BBEE accreditation. Generate annual revenue between R0 and R5 million. Be a business operating for at least 12 months, with a business profile and proof of ID. NOT be a non-profit/governmental organisation (NPO or NGO), co-operative, joint venture and/or Standard Bank employee. Interested entrepreneurs can click here to apply. Closing date for the provincial leg is 6 May. NOW READ: 4 business pitch mistakes that could be costing you investors — and how to avoid them
Daily Maverick
02-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Standard Bank's Kasi SME pitch challenge goes national as government doubles down on job creation
Opportunities for South African entrepreneurs have never looked brighter. Standard Bank's Kasi SME Pitch Challenge is going national, offering funding and exposure for township businesses across the country, while the Jobs Fund provides support for innovators in green and informal economies. Standard Bank is throwing a lifeline to township entrepreneurs, launching the third Kasi SME Pitch Challenge. With R60,000 up for grabs in provincial prize money and a shot at R500,000 at the national finals, this isn't just another competition – it's a major private-sector push to support job creation and economic growth. For the first time, township businesses from all nine provinces can compete for funding, exposure and the chance to scale their impact. The Kasi SME Pitch Challenge, a centrepiece of the Standard Bank Kasi SME Summit, previously focused on Gauteng. Now, its expansion is set to unlock new growth and job opportunities in township economies across the country. This initiative is part of Standard Bank's broader commitment to empowering township economies, building on its Enterprise and Supplier Development programme that provides tailored support to black-owned businesses. Applications for the Standard Bank's Kasi SME pitch challenge close on Tuesday, 6 May 2025. In each province, 15 entrepreneurs will be shortlisted to pitch to a panel of judges. The top three in each province will win R30,000, R20,000 and R10,000. The top two per province will receive a pitching masterclass and will advance to the national finals, where the stakes rise with a R500,000 prize pool and national exposure for their businesses. 'The Standard Bank Kasi SME Summit is more than an event – it is an essential platform for economic development within South Africa's townships, and its benefits extend far beyond the event itself. By expanding the pitch challenge nationally, Standard Bank deepens its impact on South Africa's township economies, helping even more local businesses navigate typical business challenges, constraints to market access, and build sustainable enterprises,' said Naledzani Mosomane, head of enterprise development for business and commercial banking, Standard Bank South Africa. Real impact Calab Baloyi, founder of Nosso-Sunflower Oil, went from running a garage operation to a thriving business owner after taking fifth spot in the Standard Bank Kasi SME Pitch Challenge, winning a R50,000 cash prize. With the prize money, he paid off the deposit for his oil extraction machine and upgraded his facilities, boosting production capacity from 1.2 tonnes to 7.5 tonnes a month. The competition taught Baloyi valuable skills, including effective storytelling and confident public speaking. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? 'Practise your pitch, understand your financials and showcase your unique value proposition.' Government's effort The government is also playing its part – on Wednesday, 30 April, the Jobs Fund announced a new funding round for innovative solutions that address critical employment barriers in South Africa's green and informal economies, with grants starting at R5-million. The Jobs Fund had invited proposals from public, private and non-profit intermediaries addressing barriers such as technology, infrastructure, regulation, market access and working conditions. The timing couldn't be more urgent. Despite a modest dip in South Africa's overall unemployment rate to 31.9%, youth unemployment remains alarmingly high at 44.6%, with women and young people bearing the brunt of the jobs crisis. 'This initiative comes at a time when unemployment, especially among youth and women, remains a pressing challenge. The fund seeks to support creative, scalable interventions that will contribute to sustainable job creation and stimulate inclusive economic growth in high labour absorptive sectors,' the Jobs Fund said in a statement issued by the National Treasury. First established in 2011, the Jobs Fund emerged from President Zuma's State of the Nation Address in February of that year, before being officially launched by the Finance Minister in June. With an initial allocation of R9-billion, the fund was designed to drive innovative approaches to job creation through co-financing projects with public, private and non-governmental organisations. The previous funding rounds have disbursed R7.4-billion, creating 210,719 permanent jobs and 114,534 short-term jobs and internships, and supporting more than 63,000 SMEs and 16,000 emerging farmers. The new round targets projects in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green mobility, waste and water management, and informal sectors such as street vending and small-scale manufacturing. Applications close on 5 June 2025 at 3pm. What this means for you The simultaneous push from Standard Bank and the Jobs Fund means more than just funding – it's a coordinated effort to unlock jobs, skills and economic growth in the sectors and communities where they are needed most. Township entrepreneurs now have a national platform to access capital, mentorship and exposure, while innovators in the green and informal economies can tap into substantial government support. These initiatives are designed to help businesses grow, employ more people and contribute to inclusive economic development. Eligibility and requirements Township entrepreneurs eager to take part in the 2025 Standard Bank Kasi SME Pitch Challenge must meet these criteria: Eligibility: Black South African citizens only; Registration: Must be registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) or operate as sole proprietors; Ownership: Businesses must be at least 51% Black-owned and hold valid B-BBEE accreditation; Revenue: Annual turnover should range between R0 and R5-million; Operational History: At least 12 months in business, with a business profile and proof of ID; and Exclusions: Non-profits, NGOs, co-operatives, joint ventures, and Standard Bank employees are not eligible. The requirements for the government Jobs Fund are: Those wishing to apply can visit the Jobs Fund website at [email protected]. Both opportunities offer practical support and real pathways to growth for South Africa's entrepreneurs and job creators. DM
The Citizen
24-04-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Mokopane business owner wins big at Limpopo Business Awards
LIMPOPO – Entrepreneur Dorothy Moyo is making waves in Limpopo's industrial sector after winning the Inaugural Limpopo Business Awards, hosted recently at The Ranch Resort by Standard Bank South Africa and Limpopo Provincial Government. Her company, Twothy Business Solution, has been instrumental in the mining and quarrying industry, providing services in steel fabrication, structural installation and maintenance, as well as valve and pump repairs to key clients including Mogalakwena Complex. Alongside a prestigious trophy and title, Moyo walked away with R85 000 in prize money, sponsored by Standard Bank – funds she plans to reinvest into her business by purchasing new machinery to boost production. 'I haven't digested the win yet. It feels like a dream,' she said, overwhelmed by emotion. 'This is my biggest award so far, and to be chosen out of 167 hardworking nominees is a huge deal.' Moyo stressed the personal sacrifices and challenges of entrepreneurship. 'Sometimes we don't have money to cater for everything within our businesses, but recognition like this fuels us to keep going. Remember, 'poverty is a state of mind.'' This isn't her first major accolade – she also took home the Limpopo Businesswoman of the Year Award and topped the Women in Mining category at the 2020 Limpopo Business Women Awards. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Zawya
07-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Cape Town Cycle Tour's economic impact surpasses $28mln annually: How local businesses benefit?
The Cape Town Cycle Tour, taking place this Sunday, 9 March 2025, is more than just a premier sporting event—it's a vital economic driver for the city. Each year, the influx of participants and spectators brings a significant boost to local businesses, generating millions in revenue. From hotels and restaurants to small vendors, the increased foot traffic presents a valuable opportunity for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to enhance their visibility and grow their sales. As Cape Town prepares to welcome thousands of visitors, the impact of the event extends far beyond the race, supporting a thriving local economy. Last year's event saw an estimated 15,000 visitors generating an economic injection in excess of R500m, with sectors such as hospitality, retail, and transport among those that benefitted as many businesses reported record sales over the 2024 race weekend. Those offering seamless payment solutions and digital customer engagement tools were undoubtedly best positioned to maximise on the opportunity. With thousands of visitors expected again this year, businesses that offer fast and secure digital payments stand to gain the most. For instance, contactless transactions, mobile payment options, and streamlined checkout processes can enhance customer experience and improve sales efficiency during peak trading periods. Scalable banking and payment solutions that cater to businesses of all sizes, can also help entrepreneurs manage cash flow and operational demands effectively. "The Cape Town Cycle Tour is a game-changer for local businesses. It brings an influx of customers within a short period, so being well-prepared—especially with efficient payment systems and customer-engagement strategies—can make all the difference. To support our clients during this event, Standard Bank offers relevant and targeted products and solutions to help businesses start, manage, and grow their operations,' says Cliff Mayinga, Provincial Head: Coverage Business Banking (Western Cape) at Standard Bank South Africa. Driving economic impact 2025 marks Standard Bank's second consecutive year as a proud sponsor of the Cape Town Cycle Tour, reinforcing its commitment to supporting local businesses and communities as the Cape Town Cycle Tour is more than just a sporting event but rather a catalyst for economic growth and community development. Aligned with this commitment, the event offers several key benefits, including: A boost to the local economy: The event attracts thousands of participants and spectators annually, generating significant revenue for local businesses with sectors like hospitality, retail, and transport reaping the most benefits. Support for SMEs: No fewer than 141 SMEs benefitted from increased sales during the event last year, with vendors offering food, beverages, cycling gear, and other services among those reporting substantial growth in sales over the race weekend. Job creation: In 2024, the event created 3,280 temporary and permanent employment opportunities in sectors like hospitality, event management, and tourism – further supporting the Western Cape economy. Tourism: The Cycle Tour showcases Cape Town as a global destination for sports and tourism, attracting international visitors and boosting the city's profile. Last year, 2,300 of the participants were international visitors, contributing to the city's tourism revenue. Community engagement and social impact: The event fosters a sense of community and encourages local participation in cycling and other healthy activities. Additionally, it supports various charitable initiatives, contributing to social development and community upliftment programmes in the region. In the race's more than 25-year history, R150m has been disbursed to charitable organisations, helping to uplift the beneficiary communities. Environmental benefits: The Cycle Tour promotes sustainable tourism and eco-friendly practices, aligning with Cape Town's commitment to environmental conservation. Beyond direct sales, events like these serve as a platform for brand exposure, customer acquisition, and long-term growth. Businesses that leverage digital tools, such as online promotions, customer insights and business banking platforms, can extend the benefits well beyond race day. 'As we experienced last year, businesses that were ready to turn Cape Town Cycle Tour's possibilities into opportunities by embracing digital solutions for payments, customer interactions, and/or inventory management, were able to maximise their sales and create lasting customer relationships,' adds Mayinga. As Cape Town gears up for this year's Cycle Tour, local businesses are preparing to meet the demand, ensuring they can make the most of the economic boost the event brings. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
