This is the first competition of its kind in Ladysmith and Uthukela District.

“Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new”- Brian Tracy

Entrepreneurs did just that when they decided to enter themselves into the first Ladysmith and uThukela
Entrepreneurship Competition.  Preliminary interviews resulted in 25 successful candidates. These entrepreneurs were selected to take part in a rigorous and informative eight week programme that ran every Saturday from the 5th of September till the 31st of October at the Ladysmith Country Club.

Each candidate learnt something insightful and useful from guest facilitators who brought their own unique flare of information to the candidates.  Each candidate was also allocated a mentor that guided and assisted them in preparing a bankable business plan.

Each entrepreneur was also awarded the opportunity to rebrand their business with a new logo, banners,
business cards and flyers. The entrepreneurs were also given one year’s complimentary membership to the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce.

Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce manager Jennifer Wallace is beaming with pride.  She said. “Each business owner has a story of how they came to be and I admire each and every one of them, I am so proud!”

The Ladysmith Chamber wishes all the entrepreneurs the greatest success in the future.  The Chamber is also very excited about being the first to roll out a competition of its kind in Ladysmith and in the uThukela
District.

Winner â€" Lizzy Twala - Sizahulumeni Trading (R35 000 in Business Support)

Sizahulumeni Trading was started by Lizzy Twala in 2010 with 18 staff members. They are a CMT factory
but also supply kitchen suits and ladies three pieces. These are currently manufactured by other suppliers and are sold under their brand. Sizahulumeni has grown at a great pace and now employ over 70 people and are current looking at expanding their own brand.

Second Place â€" Zamokuhle Sibeko â€" Contiblox Trading (R15 000 in Business Support)

Contiblox was started in 2014 by Zamokuhle Sibeko who could see a gap in the market for affordable, quality concrete products. Zamokuhle started manufacturing about 150 blocks per day in his back yard with the help of a friend. Customers could see the quality of the product and word spread. Soon Zamokuhle could not keep up with the demand and now employees 12 staff and manufactures 1500 blocks per day. Contiblox Trading is currently undergoing SABS testing and is looking at expanding even further, by installing an automated plant.

Third Place â€" Lindokuhle Msibi â€" Nokwin Design Studio (R10 000 in Business Support)

Nokwim Design Studio was started in 2013 by Lindokule Msibi and a friend. They build companies’ corporate identities and develop websites. The company has grown and now employees five staff. They are excited by the growth of the company and are looking at expanding their offerings to customers.