KNYSNA NEWS - Nearly 60 entrepreneurs from Knysna and Bitou have completed a transformative 12-week SMME accelerator programme, walking away with critical business knowledge, mentorship, and a combined R1.4m in grant funding to help grow their businesses.

The initiative, launched in June, was a collaborative effort between Standard Bank, the Knysna and Bitou municipalities, Classic Oriental Consultancy, and SMTAX.

 The programme focused on key business fundamentals such as financial management, compliance, leadership, systems development, and sustainability.

In Knysna, 36 SMMEs completed the programme. The top three in the presentation competition were:

1st prize (R100 000): Olwethu Phike of 24 Media

2nd prize (R80 000): Lorraine Miles of KwaLorraine's Eatery

3rd prize (R65 000): Lamla Sibali of Lagasi, who also received the R15 000 Trailblazer Award, voted by peers.

Seven other finalists each received R20 000 in funding.

"This programme has been a game-changer," said Phike. "The facilitators were exceptional, and the prize will help me invest in equipment to take my business to the next level."

Miles reflected on the depth of training: "We learned everything from costing to compliance. I've since implemented operational systems and plan to use the grant to expand and create jobs."

In Bitou, 23 SMMEs completed a parallel programme. The top three were:

1st prize (R100 000): Sihle Lupundwana

2nd prize (R80 000): Aretha Fete

3rd prize (R65 000): Lemeez Isaacs

Trailblazer Award (R15 000): Shaylen Van Wyk, voted by fellow participants

Isaacs called the experience "transfor-mative", saying the 12 weeks sharpened her business model and long-term vision.

Anelisa Fete, also from Bitou, said the programme helped her reframe past failures as lessons and inspired renewed confidence.

Bitou Mayor Jessica Kamkam praised the initiative, saying public-private partnerships like these are changing the narrative and empowering our communities.

Standard Bank's Nalendzani Mosomane reaffirmed the bank's commitment: "Our success is built on the success of SMMEs. It's about showing up with real support."

Bitou Mayor Jessica Kamkam (3rd from left) and Bitou Deputy Mayor Nokuzola Kolwapi (4th) with executives from Standard Bank. Photo: Bitou Municipality

 In Knysna, the top 3 entrepreneurs in the initiative are, from left: Lamla Sibali (3rd), Olwethu Phike (1st) and Lorraine Miles (2nd).

The top 3 winners for Bitou are, from left: Lemeez Isaacs (3rd), Sihle Lupundwana (1st) and Aretha Fete (2nd).

Bitou Mayor Jessica Kamkam (left) and Deputy Mayor Nokuzola Kolwapi. Photo: Bitou Municipality

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