Objectives
- The promote sustainable entrepreneurship in eThekwini region
- To stimulate and promote local enterprise global participation
- To promote black role models & success stories of empowerment
- To provide practical assistance and business intervention to emerging SMMEs
- To promote innovation and competitiveness amoungst SMMEs.
- To reward and encourage participation on eThekwini’s Business Support Programmes
2007/2008 Lions'Den Competition
In the first occurrence of the competition was launched, 10 SMMEs benefited in winnings of total of R250 000.
The prize money was rationed in the following categories:
| CATERGORY |
SMME NAME |
AMOUNT |
| Established business |
Indumiso Training and Development
|
R 50 000.00 |
| |
Ubuciko Artland |
R 50 000.00 |
| |
Equity Investment Get Ahead Technologies |
R 70 000.00
|
| New micro Business |
1. Amandla Beadwork
2. Mbongwa Trading Enterprise
3. Brother Car Movers
|
R10 000.00 each |
| |
4. Phembisiwe Farming Cooperative |
R15 000.00 |
| |
5. Arrive Cooperative |
R20 000.00 |
| |
6. Kollective Productions |
R35 000.00 |
After the winnings, it is anticipated that as the SMMEs play a significant role in the economy, the winners would develop their enterprises, increase their income level and create more jobs. As per the intended objective, the competition has also enabled the eThekwini Municipality’s Business Support and Markets Unit to identify some shortfalls, skills and knowledge shortages in unsuccessful candidates. This information will enable the unit to formulate relevant intervention strategies to close that loop local private sector representatives on similar projects. The 2006 Lions’ Winners also underwent a 12 month mentorship programme to assist them with the sound financial management and business development applications. They were also linked to multiple business opportunities.
2007/2008 Lions'Den Competiotion
During the competition role out, SMMEs were invited in a preliminary competition application to be part of the competition and 117 SMMEs responded. Due to the identified shortfall, these were trained on how to draw up a sound business plan and interpret it preparation for application.
Only 65 SMMEs attended the workshop and they underwent the secondary applications towards screening and shortlisting.
The following SMMEs were winners in their respective categories and prize money award:
CATERGORY |
SMME NAME |
AMOUNT |
| First Prize Winner |
Qhakaza Africa Consulting |
R 50 000.00 prize money and R70 000 equity investment |
| Second Prize Winner |
African Spear Trading |
R 45 000.00 |
| Third Prize Winner |
Energi foods |
R 35 000.00 |
All winners were provided with mentorship for 12 month period. A business needs analysis study was done for the finalist who were later linked with various business development entities in the following aspects: they were subscribed for one year membership with the Durban Chamber of Commerce, they were enrolled for the BATSA Mentorship programme. These interventions by the City yield positive results beyond expectations as the culture of business was inculcated.
2010/2011 Lions' Den Competion
 Lions' Den Competition Application Forms
Rules for the Competion
Enquires Infor
Contact Details
Winile Mntungwa: Business Support Programme Manager
Address : EThekwini Municipality’s Business Support and Markets
: 11th Floor
: 75 Dr. Langalibalele Dube (Winder) Streets Tel : 031 311 4500; Direct : 031 311 4442 Email : mntungwaw@durban.gov.za |