eThekwini Municipality is inviting small, medium and microenterprise (SMMES) and cooperatives within Ethekwini to apply for being part of the 2025 Lions Den Business Plan Competition.
The application will end on April 18th.
The goal of competition is to nurture an entrepreneurial culture while unlocking job creation.
It also provides local businesses with the opportunity to access important development resources, win prizes and expand their operations.
This competition takes place in three categories: emerging business, established business and entrepreneurial excellence.
The competition categories and thresholds are as follows:
Emerging Business: SMMES with viable business ideas and annual sales of less than R100 000.
Participants will have the opportunity to propose business ideas and expansion plans to the judges panel.
Winners will receive business development prizes such as funds, equipment, and raw materials to help them grow their business.
Applications are available from the Business Support, Tourism, Markets and Agriculture Business Unit located in the embassy building on the seventh floor of 199 Anton Lembed Street.
The form is also available from the Sizakala Center or the Seda Ethekwini office.
Applications can also be downloaded from www.durban.gov.za or from this link.
Applications can be submitted to Yanga Nyakeni at yanga.nyakeni@durban.gov.za
Over the years, the Lionsden program has had a major impact on local SMMEs.
One such success story comes from Samkeliziweshit Hall, founder of Lunienzi Farm, which won the emerging business category last year.
She received R20 000 worth of packaging material, including a wrapping machine.
Commenting on the impact of the initiative's sithole, he said, “This material lasted for three months and made us look more professional. The award winning has opened many doors that include recognition from a variety of stakeholders.
Her poultry farming business currently employs three people.
For further inquiries, businesses can contact Yaga Nyakeni on 031 309 8280.
