South Africa’s 2026 Small Business Champions crowned at Prestigious National Awards

From a business advancing more than R3.3 billion in funding to South African entrepreneurs, to pioneers in artificial intelligence, artisan development and creative entrepreneurship, this year’s winners represent the extraordinary determination, innovation and resilience driving South Africa’s small business economy.

Hosted by NSBC Africa at the Platinum Ballroom, Silverstar Casino in Johannesburg, the national celebration honoured 20 outstanding businesses whose achievements demonstrate the power of entrepreneurship to create jobs, unlock opportunities and drive economic growth.

Bizcash was crowned National Small Business Champion, while Eugene Nagel of ChilliPix received the National Entrepreneur Champion title. Jess Roussos of BluLever Education was named National Woman in Business Champion, and Ruka took home the National Startup Champion award.

“South Africa’s future will be built by entrepreneurs who refuse to surrender. These champions prove that determination, innovation and hard work can turn extraordinary challenges into extraordinary success,” said Mike Anderson, Founder and CEO of NSBC Africa.

“Small businesses are not just part of our economy. They are fundamental to its future. Every business we help grow creates opportunities, supports families and brings us closer to a stronger, more prosperous South Africa.”

The extraordinary businesses behind the honours:

Bizcash | National Small Business Champion

Led by Sean Waywell, Bizcash has reported advancing more than R3.3bn in funding to over 8,900 South African businesses, through more than 16,200 funding transactions.

Waywell left an executive banking career to pursue a more accessible approach to small business finance. What began with two employees and no active client base has grown into a business helping thousands of entrepreneurs access the funding needed to operate and expand.

ChilliPix | National Entrepreneur Champion

ChilliPix is a multimedia business offering photography, video production, printing, signage, vehicle branding and event services, with end-to-end solutions delivered in-house.

Founded by Eugene Nagel as a one-person photography business at the age of 19, ChilliPix has grown into a team of 12. After facing near collapse and diversifying into printing to rebuild the business, Nagel reports revenue growth from R3.3m in 2024 to R5.6m in 2025 and R9.1m in 2026. A Nikon Brand Ambassador, Nagel also teaches business and photography at institutions including Stadio and Open Window. His journey reflects a commitment to continuous learning and to inspiring young people to build successful businesses in the creative industry.

BluLever Education | National Woman in Business Champion

Under the leadership of Jess Roussos, BluLever Education is transforming access to skilled trades and creating meaningful employment opportunities for young South Africans.

The business reports training more than 400 apprentices and building relationships with over 100 employer partners. More than 35% of its plumbing graduates are women, challenging traditional barriers in a historically male-dominated industry.

BluLever Education also received the National Youth Development Award, recognising its contribution to developing the next generation of skilled professionals and entrepreneurs.

Ruka | National Startup Champion

Led by Bongani Mtimkulu, Ruka represents a new generation of African technology entrepreneurs building innovative solutions for local businesses.

The company develops artificial intelligence tools that help businesses manage customer relationships, automate conversations and streamline everyday operations.

Its selection for the 2025 Google for Startups Accelerator reflects the growing potential of African technology businesses to develop solutions with relevance far beyond their home markets.

Celebrating innovation, courage and extraordinary achievement

Beyond the four headline champions, the national awards recognised entrepreneurs whose personal experiences, determination and innovative thinking have created remarkable businesses.

Alora Medical | National Innovation Award

Daminda Senekal-Griessel turned a life-threatening personal experience into an entrepreneurial opportunity.

After suffering pneumonia and a collapsed lung while five months pregnant, an improvised breathing-therapy device used during her recovery inspired her to develop an affordable, purpose-designed alternative.

Her journey demonstrates how personal adversity can become the foundation for meaningful innovation.

VoiceOut Deaf | Never Surrender Award

Founded by Matebogo Victoria, VoiceOut Deaf combines commercial vegetable farming with employment, training and economic opportunities for deaf people.

The business has created a workplace where sign language is the primary language of communication, supported by accessible training materials designed to overcome barriers to conventional employment. It is an inspiring example of entrepreneurship creating opportunities for people too often excluded from the economy.

Rio Largo Olive Estate | National Export Excellence Award

Brenda Wilkinson began an entirely new entrepreneurial chapter at the age of 50, following 24 years in teaching.

Through innovative branding, distinctive packaging and a reusable decanter and refill system, she helped transform Rio Largo Olive Estate from a producer of bulk agricultural products into an internationally recognised South African olive oil brand.

Her achievement highlights the opportunities for South African businesses to compete and succeed in international markets.

The 2026 National Award Winners

National Small Business Champion Bizcash- Sean Waywell

National Entrepreneur Champion ChilliPix - Eugene Nagel

National Woman in Business Champion BluLever Education - Jess Roussos

National Startup Champion Ruka - Bongani Mtimkulu

National Innovation Award Alora Medical - Daminda Senekal-Griessel

National Youth Development Award BluLever Education - Jess Roussos

Never Surrender Award VoiceOut Deaf - Matebogo Victoria

National Export Excellence Award Rio Largo Olive Estate - Brenda Wilkinson

Twenty outstanding businesses. One powerful message.

The 2026 Top 20 winners represent an exceptional cross-section of South African entrepreneurship, spanning financial services, education, technology, manufacturing, agriculture, creative industries and professional services.

Their achievements include Finance Africa’s reported R500 million to R600 million finance book, ProfileMe’s reported 56% annual growth, and Adult Education Institute’s investment of hundreds of thousands of rand in study bursaries for young people and working women.

Together, these businesses demonstrate that entrepreneurial success takes many forms, from creating employment and developing skills to expanding access to finance, introducing new technologies and opening international markets.

The 2026 South African Small Business Awards Top 20

Listed alphabetically by business or trading name.

Adult Education Institute- Rashaad Sambaba
Alora Medical - Daminda Senekal-Griessel
Bizcash - Sean Waywell
BluLever Education - Jess Roussos
BMS Education - Zaibunnisa Pansary
BOO! Campus Media- David McKenzie
Bottomline IT - Biscay Mulaudzi
ChilliPix- Eugene Nagel
Finance Africa - Karl Bauermeister
HURU Technologies - Adrian Albrecht
IRJ Software - Ivan Jenkins
Mphoti Consulting - Enock Machete
ProfileMe - Rizanne Oosthuisen-Botha
Rio Largo Olive Estate - Brenda Wilkinson
Ruka- Bongani Mtimkulu
Smartee - Nivashnee Ramparsad
Swatek Defence and Aerospac - Dr Sikhulile Mtsetfwa
Thusanang Enabling Support Services - Lefaladi Edwina Makgamatha
VoiceOut Deaf - Matebogo Victoria
Xperien- Ntebuweng Leeu

National brands backing South Africa’s entrepreneurs

The 2026 South African Small Business Awards were supported by leading national and international brands, including Absa, Avis, Canal+, CIPC, Credit Guarantee, MTN, Nuvion, Old Mutual Insure, Sage, Sappi, Toyota and TransUnion.

NSBC Africa acknowledged the invaluable support of these organisations and their commitment to recognising entrepreneurial excellence, strengthening the small business ecosystem and creating opportunities for South African businesses to grow.

Building a stronger future for South African small business

Now in its 18th year, the South African Small Business Awards has become an established national platform for recognising the entrepreneurs and businesses contributing to South Africa’s economic future.

Through its growing national ecosystem of business partnerships, entrepreneurial events, access-to-finance initiatives and practical business support, NSBC Africa continues to champion the role of small business in building a more prosperous South Africa.

The Awards represent more than recognition of exceptional achievement. They are a powerful reminder of what becomes possible when entrepreneurs are given the opportunity, support and confidence to succeed.

“When small businesses succeed, South Africa succeeds,” concluded Anderson.