The wait is over – Nedbank Pitch & Polish is returning for its 15th season, once again offering ambitious business owners across South Africa the opportunity to compete for a life-changing prize worth R1 million. For the past 15 years, Pitch & Polish has been more than just a pitching competition. It has been a launchpad – equipping over 11 000 entrepreneurs with the skills, mentorship and exposure they need to refine their pitches, improve their chances of securing funding and take their businesses to new heights.
More than a competition – Pitch & Polish is a game changer
At its core, Pitch & Polish isn’t just about who wins – it’s about what every contestant gains along the way. The competition blends intense pitch battles with 1-on-1 mentorship and real-world business learning, giving entrepreneurs the tools to sharpen their ideas, make their businesses more sustainable and pitch with confidence. Last season raked in an incredible 8.6 million views, proving just how invested South Africans are in the high-stakes entrepreneurial programme. In the end, it was Braden Snyman and Avi Maja of Breaze Delivery who claimed the top spot in 2024. With a powerful 3-minute pitch outlining their vision to become a household name, they clinched the grand prize worth R1 million.
Now, it’s time to find the next success story.
The competition is fierce but the rewards are even bigger
This year, 16 entrepreneurs will be selected from thousands of hopefuls, each competing across multiple elimination rounds and refining their business pitches with the support of expert mentors from leading incubator, Raizcorp.
“Pitch & Polish, despite its name, is not just a pitching competition – it is that and a whole lot more. It is a door to new markets, massive business exposure, new friends, potential investment, incredible learning, lots of fun, and – of course – the R1 million in prizes, which includes R650 000 in cash. Pitch & Polish is a game changer for so many of the people who enter, whether they win or simply participate,” explains Raizcorp CEO, Allon Raiz.
Three of the competing entrepreneurs will claim life-changing prizes that could transform their businesses. The ultimate winner will walk away with a prize worth R1 million, which includes a cash injection of R650 000 along with a R350 000 bursary for a 2-year business development programme with Raizcorp. The 1st runner-up will take home R100 000 in cash, while the 2nd runner-up will receive R50 000 to help propel their businesses forward. But even if they don’t make the final cut, Nedbank Pitch & Polish offers an incredible learning experience that can transform the way entrepreneurs think about and grow their businesses. Every contestant gets access to expert mentorship and business training – so, whether they win or not, they walk away better prepared for success.
And it’s not just the contestants who benefit. With episodes streaming online via Facebook, YouTube and the Pitch & Polish website, anyone can watch, learn and be inspired – plus, viewers stand a chance to win fantastic prizes just for tuning in!
Who can enter?
If you’re a South African entrepreneur with a registered business, or you operate as a sole proprietor, you’re eligible to compete. The application process is simple: submit your entry online at www.pitchandpolish.combetween 17 March and 13 April 2025. The most promising candidates will be invited to submit a 90-second video pitch and supporting documents. The top 16 entrepreneurs will compete in the 1st round of the competition. So, are you ready to pitch, polish and take your business to the next level? Apply today and get ready to compete in the most thrilling season yet!