From home kitchens to multimillion-rand businesses, entrepreneurs shared inspiring stories of resilience and growth at the iLembe Chamber Entrepreneur Competition launch last week.

The launch marked the official start of the 16th edition of the Entrepreneur business accelerator programme, which supports small businesses across the iLembe District.

This year’s programme will run over 10 weeks, with 20 finalists set to receive hands-on mentorship, skills training and business development support. Applications are now open, with entry forms available online and at the iLembe Chamber offices.

Among the standout speakers was Taste KZN owner Mbali Khumalo, who credited the competition with transforming her business journey.

Khumalo said her business began while coping with keratoconus, an eye condition that affected her vision. Cooking her mother’s traditional meals became a form of therapy, and she started sharing her dishes on social media.

After winning the competition’s Entrepreneur of the Year title in 2019, Khumalo received support to build a customised mobile kitchen trailer, allowing Taste KZN to expand into pop-up events and catering services.

The business has since worked with major organisations, including Airports Company South Africa and Pick n Pay, and last year catered breakfast for President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“Entrepreneurship is crazy, but I love it. Every day you have to reinvent yourself,” she said.

Other entrepreneurs also reflected on the challenges they overcame while building their businesses.

Amanda Maidman, founder of Scoop Handcrafted Ice Cream, said she started the business from her home kitchen after leaving the corporate restaurant industry.

She said support from the competition helped her buy vital equipment during difficult times.

“We have fallen many times in business, but entrepreneurship is about getting back up,” she said.

The business now operates four retail stores and recently secured a contract to supply the new Club Med South Africa Beach and Safari resort in Tinley Manor.

Mnandi Bakery owner Fox Zungu said the competition helped him grow the bakery from basic equipment to machinery worth R2-million.

Zungu now employs five people and runs free bakery training programmes for unemployed youth.

Through the accredited short course, finalists receive guidance from Chamber-accredited mentors and gain skills in business planning, marketing, corporate identity development and mentorship support.

The programme concludes with finalists presenting their business plans, which could unlock funding and further growth opportunities.

iLembe Chamber CEO Cobus Oelofse said the competition continues to create jobs, mentorship opportunities and long-term business growth across the district.

“The success of these businesses shows that when entrepreneurs receive the right support and opportunities, they can build sustainable companies that contribute to the local economy,” said Oelofse.

Visit theentrepreneur.net.za to download an entry form.