Opportunities

Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.

MsingiLab Librarian

What are you looking for today?

Eskom Business Investment Competition | MsingiLab

Back to Opportunities

CompetitionCorporateClosed

Eskom Business Investment Competition

R100,000 - R200,000 (overall winner R200,000; category winners R150,000 each; total prize pool ~R1.3M)

RollingWebsiteEst. 2008

PrizeGrantEngineeringConstructionManufacturingAgricultureAgri-ProcessingTradeServicesEarly-stageGrowth

Apply Now

Annual entrepreneurship competition run by the Eskom Development Foundation recognizing and rewarding Black-owned small and medium enterprises in South Africa. Winners receive cash prizes up to R200,000 and business support. The competition typically rotates sector focus each year across engineering/construction, manufacturing, agriculture/agri-processing, and trade/services.

What You Get

Cash Prizes

Overall winner: R200,000. Category winners: R150,000 each. Total prize pool approximately R1.3M.

Small Business Expo Exhibition

Finalists exhibit at a multi-day Small Business Expo, connecting with potential investors and 7,000+ visitors.

Media Visibility

Increased awareness through national media coverage of the competition.

Networking

Connect with other entrepreneurs, potential investors, and Eskom's procurement network.

How to Apply

Historically: submit online application when entries open (typically May-July). Application followed by two rounds of adjudication — first round reviews written submissions and creates shortlist, second round invites shortlisted businesses to Johannesburg for in-person presentations to a panel of judges.

Geographic Focus

South Africa

Decision Timeline

Approximately 3-4 months from entry close to awards ceremony.

Key Dates

Typically MayEntries open (historically)

Typically JulyEntries close (historically)

Typically Q3-Q4Adjudication rounds and awards ceremony

Eligibility

Black-owned enterprise (South Africa B-BBEE criteria)
Registered South African SME
In operation for at least 24 months
Operating in eligible sector: engineering/construction, manufacturing, agriculture/agri-processing, or trade/services

Traction Required

At least 24 months of operations. Must demonstrate significant contribution to employment, poverty reduction, and economic growth.

Team Requirements

Black-owned business with demonstrable operational track record.

Selection Criteria

Business viability and sustainability
Contribution to job creation and poverty reduction
Innovation and growth potential
Quality of business plan and financial management
In-person pitch presentation quality (second round)

Focus Areas

Engineering & Construction

SMEs operating in the engineering and construction value chain.

Manufacturing

Small and medium manufacturers contributing to local production and job creation.

Agriculture & Agri-Processing

Agricultural businesses and agri-processing enterprises.

Trade & Services

SMEs in the trade and services sector with a solid foundation and growth potential.

What They Look For

Black-owned South African SMEs with at least 2 years of operations that are significantly contributing to employment, poverty reduction, and economic growth. Businesses with a robust foundation and demonstrable potential for growth.

Post-Investment Support

Exhibition at Small Business Expo, networking opportunities with investors and other entrepreneurs, media exposure. No formal ongoing mentorship or post-competition support program documented.

Red Flags to Watch

No evidence of active competition cycles since 2021. Eskom's corporate restructuring may have paused the program. Verify current status before applying.

Insider Tip

When the BIC does run, it specifically targets Black-owned SMEs under B-BBEE criteria. The in-person pitch round in Johannesburg is critical — prepare a strong business case presentation. The Eskom procurement network connection is the most valuable benefit beyond the prize money.

2008

Active Since

Deploying

Notable Investments

Multiple past winners across engineering, manufacturing, agriculture, and trade sectors since 2008