• The Rand Show is introducing a new pitching forum for young entrepreneurs at this year’s event.
• The forum is called Mzansi Youth Tycoons and will have R10 000 in funding available for the winning pitch.
• The winner will also be able to present their business to all the attendees of the SMME Summit, a live interview on Power FM, and a few other additions.

This year’s Rand Show takes place from 28th March to 1st April, and while the usual variety of attractions will be present at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, there is a new addition that will be of interest to budding young entrepreneurs on the lookout for funding.

This as a pitching forum has been added to the lineup of the Rand Show called Mzansi Youth Tycoons, with the winning business pitch earning its entrepreneur R10 000 in funding, as well as a few other prizes.

Young entrepreneurs are encouraged to enter by creating a five minute-long video introducing themselves, their product or business idea, and send to the Rand Show directly via Facebook Messenger.

From the entries, 10 campaign finalists will be selected to pitch their business idea to the panel of local industry experts. 

“The Rand Show has always been focused on helping to develop business. We felt that the inaugural SMME Summit, which took place last year in 2023, was an absolute success, and we wanted to add to that this year by giving the youth an opportunity to get involved at a higher level,” notes Adele Hartdegen, CEO of the annual event.

The winner on the day will get the following:

• A R10 000 cash prize towards the development of their business;
• The opportunity to present their business to all the attendees of the SMME Summit;
• A live interview on Power FM; 
• A 3-month social media exposure package developed by the Rand Show head of marketing; 
• Access to consulting sessions with financial, marketing and managerial experts within the Rand Show team and affiliated companies.

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