Young entrepreneurs showcased their business ideas and ambitions at Rotary BizEast’s inaugural Ultimate Pitch Festival on October 10 at Grasslands Driving Range.

The event introduced the Smart Shark competition, giving aspiring young business owners a platform to present their ideas, receive constructive feedback, and gain valuable exposure to potential opportunities.

Lihle Brian Mfenqa (14) won the “Just an Idea” category, taking home a R28 000 BIP Varsity bursary, a laptop, a cash prize sponsored by RE/MAX Dazzle, and other prizes.

Onalerona Lionel Tudu won the category for early-stage operating businesses. His prizes included a R25 000 Lyceum bursary, a laptop, a cash prize from RE/MAX Dazzle and additional prizes.

Supporters, including Elevation Hub, Work for a Living and Mary’s Holistic Health, offered all contestants, some from Thembisa and Vereeniging, further learning or mentoring opportunities to help them strengthen their business skills and build confidence.

The festival also featured a debut open-market business networking exhibition, giving exhibitors an opportunity to showcase their products, connect with potential customers, and exchange ideas.

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Organisers said the exhibition showed promise, with participating businesses leaving with valuable leads and new connections.

Founding chairperson Jacqui Keel said the positive feedback from contestants had been encouraging.

“The beautiful messages of thanks from contestants have humbled me,” she said. “This debut has launched our projects as a new Rotary satellite club, and we cannot wait to build on it.”

Rotary BizEast thanked Dr Victor Lemmer of BIP Varsity, Jade Bishop, Bonamelo Moloi, and Mary Andalaft for taking the time to independently assess each young entrepreneur’s business and provide practical feedback to support their development.

The club also thanked Grasslands Driving Range for sponsoring the venue, as well as all sponsors who contributed to the event’s success.

Musicians from Q the Music Social Club, as well as motivational speakers Bishop and Telavukosi Mabasa, were also acknowledged for generously donating their time and talent.

Rotary for Business Johannesburg East plans to continue working with the finalists as they develop their businesses and explore a pathway into Rotaract, Rotary’s programme for young adults.

Through ongoing mentorship and support, the club hopes to empower young entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses, create opportunities for others and strengthen entrepreneurship across Benoni and the wider province.

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