The KwaZulu-Natal Business Chamber’s Council (KBCC) The Entrepreneur competition was launched in
support of the Small Business Development component of the KZN Economic Council’s Social Accord Implementation Framework.

The competition, and accompanying training programme, is jointly supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), its KZN Small Business Growth Enterprise division, and the private sector on an equal cost sharing basis. It was rolled out throughout KZN through seven regional chambers of commerce, namely:

• Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business
• Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce
• Minara Chamber of Commerce 
• KZN Youth Chamber of Commerce
• iLembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism

The Entrepreneur programme was initiated by the iLembe Chamber five years ago with the aim of identifying and providing entrepreneurs and owners of micro-businesses with a grounding to develop
their businesses to a sustainable level. The focal point of the programme is in knowledge and skills transfer and ongoing mentoring and guidance. The iLembe programme has been refined since its launch in 2011 and is now a widely endorsed programme with national recognition.

Programme participants are exposed to intensive business modeling, both through tuition and practical application, codesigned by the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and USA-based Massachusetts
Institute of Technology (MIT).

Programme participants are also supported through mentorship by Chamber accredited mentors â€" “greyheads” with invaluable business experience. Contestants were equipped with a business plan
to serve as a guide to managing and developing sustainable businesses. All participants received a Certificate of Attendance of this UKZN/MIT endorsed programme.  Participants will also receive a monetary contribution towards their business’ marketing and were offered the opportunity to showcase their businesses at individual Chamber exhibitions.

Lizzy Twala from Sizahulumeni Trading was the very popular winner of the 2015 competition.  Lizzy represented the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce.  Sizahulumeni Trading, a CMT factory, was started by Lizzy in 2010 with 18 staff members. They manufacture kitchen suits and ladies three pieces both for other as well as their own in-house brand. Sizahulumeni has grown at great pace and now employs
over 70 employees.

The runner-up was Sharon Ma’ani from KishMish, a finalist from the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business. KishMish is an exciting foodie concept with a fantastic range of delicious products. Delicious preserves and pickles, rich spices, exotic teas, refreshing cordials and infused oils are just a few products inspired by kitchen treasured recipes from Birdjand to Delhi and from Redruth to Pietermaritzburg. KishMish’s inspiration comes from the Ma’ani family, bringing together Amal’s Middle Eastern rich food
heritage and Sharon’s love of new English fusion cuisine.

Bronze position was scooped up by Blessing Sithole from Bakers Creationz. Blessing was a winner in the Durban Chamber’s programme. Bakers Creationz specialises in the manufacturing of higher end quality cakes, targeting the lower to middle income market at low prices. It already supplies large retail stores
and also works with a number of independent distributors who supply to smaller retail stores and spaza shops. Bakers Creationz’s facilities are rural based and fully comply with food manufacturing
regulations.