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This week marked the end of the first round of the 2024 Nedbank Pitch & Polish competition, revealing which of the original 16 contestants will move through to the 2nd round – taking them 1 step closer to the 1st prize worth an impressive R1 million. While the journey of 8 talented contestants has come to an end, they leave the competition armed with improved business skills and valuable insights gained through the immersive learning experience and one-on-one mentorship provided by Raizcorp. As in previous years, the top 8 finalists represent a diverse range of businesses – from a resource- and money-saving utility management platform to a chain of specialist dreadlock salons and a range of innovative at-home health testing kits. Curious to hear their thoughts on the competition so far? Find out what the top 8 had to say! Keenan George Smart-View Technology, Western Cape At a time when everyone is looking for ways to cut costs and conserve resources, Keenan George has found a way t...

After a record 1 400 entries were received for the 2024 Nedbank Pitch & Polish Entrepreneurial Competition, 16 entrepreneurs have been shortlisted for a shot at securing a business upliftment prize worth R1 million. As in previous years, there is a broad mix of business types among the entries, including innovative tech start-ups, salons specialising in the treatment of dreadlocks, a biodegradable textile, a groundbreaking at-home health-testing solution, and just about everything in between. Now in its 14th season, Nedbank Pitch & Polish will once again offer contestants a structured learning programme that will help them hone their investment pitching skills and boost their likelihood of receiving funding for their businesses. Each entrepreneur will be matched with a business mentor from Africa’s leading incubator, Raizcorp, who will work with them on strategy, finance, sales and marketing so that even those contestants who don’t win a prize will leave with valu...