Entries are open for the 2026 Entrepreneur Program – George Edition
2026 marks the fourth year that the George Business Chamber, in partnership with ACSA, George Herald, Algoa FM, Nelson Mandela University (George Campus), AHI Western Cape, SANParks, BusinessFit360, Envestpro, and AP Business Coaching and Consulting, will be implementing the 2026 Entrepreneur Programme.
The Entrepreneur is a business accelerator programme that aims to identify entrepreneurial gems in George and the greater Garden Route and develop and support them to sustainable levels of growth. The 2026 Programme will run over a period of 10 weeks, during which competition finalists will be exposed to intensive business modelling through both tuition and practical application.
The 2026 competition aims to attract the best SME talent in our region, and 20 finalist SMEs will be selected to participate in the competition, with the top three winners receiving a total of R75 000 in prizes.
Apart from the business development funding and marketing collateral received by entrepreneurs, the competition provides an opportunity for finalists to gain critical business skills, receive mentorship and training, and prepare a comprehensive business plan that will enable them to grow and develop their businesses. Finalists will also receive mentorship from a selection of mentors representing a wide range of sectors and professions who will support the George Business Chamber in the programme’s roll-out.
Any registered business that has been operating in George or the greater Garden Route for more than a year and has an annual turnover of less than R6 million may enter. More details are available on the attached entry form, and entries must reach the Project Manager before 10 July 2026 to be eligible.
Download Entrepreneur 2026 Entry Form here
https://www.george.gov.za/george-document/the-entrepreneur-2026-entry-form-george-edition-fillable-form/
📌 Apply before 10 July 2026:
Scan and email your application to entrepreneur@georgechamber.co.za
OR
Drop off at George Business Chamber Offices, Room 111, 1st Floor, 101 York Street (corner of York & Langenhoven St), George.
For more information, contact Mr Paul Hoffman:
📞 entrepreneur@georgechamber.co.za