Bellville’s most promising small business owners went head-to-head in a local version of Dragon’s Den on Tuesday, when the Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP) hosted the finale of its annual Level Up Series at the Momentum Auditorium.

Now in its third year, the Level Up Series has become one of Bellville’s key business development initiatives, offering local SMMEs the chance to sharpen their skills, connect with investors, and showcase their ideas ahead of the Bellville Business Expo (BBExpo) which will take place on 28 and 29 October at the Tyger Valley Centre Arena.

The eight-week hybrid programme included expert-led workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and pitch preparation sessions. It all culminated in a live showdown where entrepreneurs presented their businesses to a panel of judges, competing for a coveted spot in the Top 5.

“This programme has become a launchpad for local business talent,” said Nasmera Buckus, COO of the GTP.

“Level Up gives entrepreneurs the confidence, tools, and exposure to grow and this year we were thrilled to see so many sustainability-focused innovators take the stage.”

This year’s series placed special emphasis on green and sustainable enterprise development, highlighting SMMEs that are using innovative business practices to contribute to a more sustainable future.

After a tense and inspiring round of pitches, the judges selected five stand-out businesses:

Cazri Johnson – Ncinci Ndiqala

Aqeebah Taliep – Diamond Sparkle Detergent

Carmy Davis – Davis Clothing

Shaun Cairns – Seed2Harvest

Sodieq Barendse – Pekkish

For Carmy Davis, who runs her own clothing manufacturing company in Elsies River, being named a winner carried deeply personal meaning.

“This business was started because of my mom. The hours I sat at her feet while she was making clothing, watching her and growing to love the art too,” said Davis.

She added that her biggest supporters are her son and partner. “They remind me about my strength. We currently employ 35 women from the area and surrounding communities.

“We do this because we want to further educate and teach the skill of clothing-making that has so much potential to generate income.

“My goal one day is to change the ‘Made in China’ label to ‘Proudly Made in Cape Town’.” Davis is currently outsourcing to several large local businesses.

Aqeebah Taliep, whose personality “sparkled” on stage, pitched her multipurpose cleaning product Diamond Sparkle Detergent not just as a cleaner, but as a tool for empowerment. Her product can be used for washing dishes, cleaning floors, and doing laundry – a cost-saving all-in-one solution.

“I found interest in it because I realised how expensive household detergents are,” said Taliep. “So now we have an all-in-one product for all purposes and it’s helping women rise and communities shine.”

“These entrepreneurs are proof that local innovation is alive and thriving in Bellville,” Buckus said.

“They’re turning big ideas into real impact and we can’t wait to see where they go next.”

tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za

Weekend Argus 

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