KUGOMPO CITY- The Hollywood Foundation has increased its funding pool for small businesses in the Eastern Cape to R1.135 million, as 109 entrepreneurs took part in the second day of the Bambelela Business Awards on Wednesday.
The event, held at Abbotsford Christian Centre in KuGompo City on 19th August brought together 84 entrepreneurs pitching for funding and 25 exhibitors, with businesses from townships and rural communities across the province.
Hollywood Foundation portfolio manager Simo Vilakazi said the programme was deliberately designed to reach businesses operating outside major urban centres.
“We are focusing specifically on businesses that are based in townships as well as rural areas. And obviously based on the geography of the Eastern Cape and the fact that Eastern Cape is largely a rural province, Eastern Cape sits perfectly when it comes to that sort of focus,” he said.
Vilakazi added that the funding pool had increased from R1 Million last year to R1.135 Million this year, with prize money spread across the top-performing businesses.
Businesses finishing from fourth to 20th place will each receive R45,000, while the third-placed business will receive R80,000, the runner-up R115,000 and the winner R145,000.
There are also special prizes worth R25,000, as well as an additional R12,500 allocated to further engage with entrepreneurs in the Eastern Cape.
Vilakazi emphasised that businesses had to meet basic eligibility requirements, including having operated for more than 12 months and being able to demonstrate a revenue track record.
“For the pitchers it’s simple. Your business must be operating for more than twelve months and we want to see some sort of revenue track record… we want to see that your business is making an impact in your community,” he said.
He encouraged entrepreneurs who did not secure funding to remain persistent.“For the ones that will not be getting funding today, we are saying to you Bambelela, hold on, your dreams truly are valid,” Vilakazi said.
Among the entrepreneurs pitching was founder of Andy M Aesthetic Bar in Mdantsane Andile Mcaphukisi, Mcaphukisi started the business in 2021, initially offering makeup, lashes and nail services.
The business has since expanded to include training and mentorship for women.She said creating opportunities for other women, particularly in Mdantsane, was one of the reasons she continued to build the business.
“What keeps me going is mentoring other women and training them. Especially women from Mdantsane because we are facing unemployment that is very high,” Mcaphukisi said.
It was her first time participating in the Bambelela Business Awards and she admitted that competing alongside 84 pitchers brought pressure.
“It’s my first time and it’s pressure high but I’m confident in myself so I don’t really mind because business I’m confident in my own business,” she said.
For co-founder of PUFESO Agri-Enterprise in Xhibeni location outside Ngcobo, Phumza Sambatha, the journey started with just 200 chickens in 2015.
The agricultural business was formally registered in 2020 and has since diversified into vegetable production, growing spinach, green pepper and beetroot, alongside poultry production involving layers and broilers.
Sambatha said the business had expanded its market beyond local customers and was supplying retailers and community programmes.
“We are also supplying retail stores like Spar, Boxer, Nutrition Program. We are also selling to locals, plaza shop. Also, food security,” she said.
Furthmore business also contributes to the income of one household and supplies local bakeries.Representing Electronic Solutions at The Block Studio in Mdantsane, Thobane Vumindaba said the business had evolved significantly since its establishment in 2014.
It began as a graphic design business before expanding into multimedia services.
Vumindaba said participating in Bambelela provided an opportunity not only to showcase the business but also to network and learn from other entrepreneurs and industry panels.
“So today we are here to exhibit eh our services and the different packages that we have and just to network with other people as well and also to get to learn from panels,” he said.
Asked what kept him motivated, Vumindaba pointed to his faith and determination.“Trusting God.
I think more than anything that’s what keeps me going. Put my best foot forward. Everything else is up to him so eh I decided to give it a try and then see what happens,” he said.
In addition the Bambelela Business Awards form part of the Hollywood Foundation’s efforts to support entrepreneurs through funding, training and market access, with a particular emphasis on businesses operating in township and rural economies.
For many of the Eastern Cape entrepreneurs who gathered in KuGompo City, the competition was about more than prize money it was an opportunity to put their businesses in front of potential partners, learn from fellow entrepreneurs and strengthen enterprises rooted in their communities.
Sthabile Sambela
20 August 2026
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