Limpopo: The Hollywood Foundation is once again shining the spotlight on local entrepreneurship with the return of the Bambelela Business Awards to Limpopo, now in its third year running in the province. This inspiring R1 million commitment continues to champion small business empowerment by recognising resilience, innovation, and community impact.
Bambelela — which means “hold on” in isiZulu, has grown into a powerful platform for small businesses navigating South Africa’s challenging economic landscape. The programme provides game-changing support in the form of equipment and essential business resources, enabling entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and create employment opportunities.
Since launching in 2023, the Bambelela Business Awards have cemented themselves as a legacy initiative under the Hollywood Foundation’s Enterprise and Supplier Development portfolio. To date, the programme has invested approximately R12.8 million, funding 293 SMMEs nationwide. With each year, the impact deepens and Limpopo entrepreneurs are once again called to step forward and seize this opportunity.
“We continue to be inspired by the remarkable stories of resilience and innovation from Limpopo’s entrepreneurs,” says Simo Vilakazi, Enterprise and Supplier Dvelopment Assistant Manager at the Hollywood Foundation. “The return of Bambelela to this province reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering small businesses that form the backbone of our economy. This R1 million investment is a pledge to nurture their growth and sustain their dreams.”
Whether you’re a township tailor, a digital innovator, a mechanic, or a mobile food vendor, this is your moment. The Foundation is calling on entrepreneurs from all corners of Limpopo to step into the spotlight.
Application Details:
Entries for the Limpopo Bambelela Business Awards are officially open from 18 November to 18 December 2025. Qualifying SMMEs are urged to submit their entries online by visiting the Hollywood Foundation’s website at https://hollywoodfoundation.co.za before the submission deadline on 18 December 2025 at 23:59.
Qualification Requirements:
• Must be at least 100% black-owned business.
• Local business – registered and operating in Limpopo.
• Formal and/or informal registered local business.
• Business must be in operation for at least 12 months and have a proven track record of trading.
• Business profile or clear description of the nature of the company/business.
For further information regarding the Bambelela Business Awards, including submission guidelines and rules, please refer to our website. These awards are a testament to our commitment to commend those who have demonstrated exceptional originality and unwavering dedication in their entrepreneurial endeavours.