News24 and Lula are looking for SA’s best small businesses

The deadline is 4 September 2026. That’s the day entries close for the News24 x Lula SME Awards, and the last chance for South Africa’s small business owners to put themselves forward for recognition and a share of R300,000 in prize money.

If you’ve been thinking about entering, now is the time.

South Africa’s small business owners have been the backbone of the economy without getting the spotlight they deserve. They take the risk, sign the lease, make payroll happen and keep going when things get hard. They create jobs, solve problems and build something real.

That’s why News24 and Lula have partnered to create the News24 x Lula SME Awards: because the people driving South Africa’s economy forward deserve more than a pat on the back. They deserve recognition, a platform and a share of R300,000 in prize money.

Now in its second year, this is for the business owners who are making it happen against the odds. But the window is closing.

Every successful business has a story worth telling

Every successful business has pivotal moments: the big contract that changed everything, the innovation that set it apart, or the community impact that made its owners proud. These awards provide a platform to share those stories and inspire other entrepreneurs.

The awards represent Lula’s commitment to supporting South Africa’s SME community by providing not only funding solutions, but also recognition for the businesses that drive economic growth and innovation.

Five categories, one mission: celebrating real success

The 2026 awards offer five ways to win, each one speaking directly to how SMEs operate:

1. Women-owned Business of the Year celebrates female entrepreneurs who own more than 50% of their business and lift other women as they grow. Enter here.

2. Business Networker of the Year recognises the people who don’t just build their own success; they connect others, create opportunities and make things happen for the community around them. Enter here.

3. Service Business of the Year honours businesses that put clients first, deliver excellent service and keep growing through reputation and referrals. Enter here.

4. Product Business of the Year celebrates businesses that create, innovate and bring quality products to market while building sustainable operations. Enter here.

5. Small Business of the Year: the ultimate recognition for businesses that excel across every measure: growth, leadership, innovation and impact. Enter here.
   

The entry criteria are simple

Here’s what businesses need to enter.

1. Registered South African business
   
2. Actively trading for at least 12 consecutive months
   
3. Annual turnover of at least R500,000
   

That’s it. If a business is running and doing the work, it is eligible.

Don’t let the deadline pass you by

The judges are looking for growth, innovation, impact and resilience. They want to see businesses that are making a difference in their communities, industries and the lives of the people they employ and serve.

This isn’t just about the prize money, though R300,000 shared across five winners certainly helps. It’s about being recognised. It’s about standing in front of the country and saying: “We built this. And we’re just getting started.”

But you have to enter to win. And the clock is ticking.

If you know a business owner who deserves this recognition, share this with them today. If that’s you, don’t wait another day.

Entries close 4 September 2026. The awards ceremony will take place on 29 October 2026 at Nasdak in Cape Town.

Enter now at specialprojects.news24.com/news24-x-lula-awards-2026.