Hosted by NSBC Africa, the event marks 18 years of recognising outstanding entrepreneurial achievement and the grand culmination of Small Business Friday, bringing together leading corporate brands, influential business leaders, entrepreneurs and the media.
This year's celebration will also provide the platform for a major national announcement aimed at taking Small Business Friday to an entirely new level.
A Bold New Vision for South Africa's Small Businesses
NSBC Africa will unveil an ambitious vision to transform Small Business Friday into a far-reaching national movement, uniting corporate South Africa, entrepreneurs and consumers behind a shared commitment to supporting small businesses.
At the heart of the vision is a simple but powerful message: Small business Friday. Shop small. Grow South Africa.
The ambition is to inspire millions of South Africans to actively support small businesses, encourage widespread corporate participation and build a recognisable national movement that reaches communities across the country.
"Imagine walking down any street in South Africa and seeing shop windows proudly displaying the Small Business Friday message. Imagine millions of consumers making a conscious decision to support small businesses, backed by leading corporate brands working together to stimulate economic growth," says Mike Anderson, Founder and CEO of NSBC Africa.
"Our vision is to make supporting small businesses part of everyday life in South Africa. More customers mean more sales, stronger businesses, greater employment opportunities and a stronger economy. The collective impact could be extraordinary."
Further details of the national initiative will be unveiled at the Gala Breakfast on 12 November.
The centrepiece of the morning will be the live crowning of the 2026 South African Small Business Awards champions, recognising entrepreneurs who have demonstrated outstanding achievement, innovation, resilience and business leadership.
Now in its 18th year, the awards celebrate the business builders who create employment, strengthen communities and contribute to South Africa's economic future.
"Every successful business begins with someone prepared to take a risk, pursue an opportunity and persevere through challenges. These awards celebrate the remarkable individuals who turn ambition into achievement," says Anderson.
"South Africa has extraordinary entrepreneurial talent. Recognising and celebrating that talent is essential to inspiring the next generation of business builders."
The South African Small Business Awards and Small Business Friday are supported by an exceptional group of leading national and global brands, reflecting the importance of corporate participation in strengthening South Africa's entrepreneurial economy.
NSBC Africa proudly recognises its National Sponsors: Absa | Avis | CIPC | Credit Guarantee | MTN | Nuvion | Sage | Sappi | Toyota | TransUnion
Their collective involvement reinforces the significance of entrepreneurship and the opportunities created when established organisations support the growth of small businesses.
"The participation of these leading brands demonstrates the power of collaboration. When corporate South Africa and the entrepreneurial community work together, we can create meaningful opportunities for business growth and economic participation," Anderson adds.
The National Gala Breakfast will bring together entrepreneurs, corporate executives, business leaders, industry stakeholders and the media for a morning of recognition, inspiration and high-value business networking.
Guests can look forward to the live crowning of the 2026 entrepreneurial champions, inspiring success stories, live entertainment, a buffet breakfast and valuable opportunities to connect with influential business decision-makers.
The event will culminate in the unveiling of NSBC Africa's new national vision for Small Business Friday, signalling the beginning of an ambitious new chapter for the movement.
"For 18 years, NSBC Africa has championed South Africa's entrepreneurs. On 12 November, we will celebrate their achievements while sharing our vision for a future in which every leading brand, every small business and every South African can play a role in building a stronger entrepreneurial economy," concludes Anderson.
Event: 2026 South African Small Business Awards - National Gala Breakfast
Date: Thursday, 12 November 2026
Hosted by: NSBC Africa
Highlights: National awards ceremony, live crowning of entrepreneurial champions, landmark Small Business Friday announcement, business networking, live entertainment and buffet breakfast.
Corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, business owners and supporters of South African entrepreneurship and small business, are invited to attend.
Secure your place and be part of one of South Africa's most significant celebrations of entrepreneurship.
