After a five-year hiatus, the ninth annual ENGEN Pitch & Polish programme returned to eMalahleni on Saturday, 29 September 2018. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, the entrepreneurs who attended are serious about business, education and betterment. This year saw more and more attendees travelling from different cities for a second chance to learn and to pitch in hopes of being chosen as a contestant.

Since its inception, this national entrepreneurial workshop and competition – hosted in partnership with Engen Petroleum Ltd, Nedbank, Raizcorp and Caxton Local Media – has helped over 11 000 entrepreneurs improve the way they pitch their businesses to potential investors.Karin Prinsloo, Terminal Manager from Engen Petroleum Ltd, shared her impressions, “This programme is inspiring.

It is crucial that entrepreneurs focus on the sustainability of their businesses and learn to run their business, or it will run them.”The day’s winning formula began with Justin Cohen, best-selling author and international speaker, explaining the truth about motivation and the value of delivering a polished pitch.

The workshop aims to teach participants how to develop a well-rounded and investor-ready pitch. The interactive nature of the event ensures that everyone participates by asking questions and practising on each other. In this way, all benefit, as the facilitator and attendees offer guidance, advice and direction to help shape the pitches.For example, through the pitch of Jenna Bowker, who came in second place with her eco-friendly pest-control business, the delegates saw a well-rounded and strong pitch which stated upfront thebusiness offering, the target market, and her background. Including a clear definition of the problem and how the service solves that problem was a key learning from Jenna’s pitch.Siphiwe Mahlangu, who has a stainless-steel manufacturing business, developed a stronger pitch over the course of the day by including a more specific target market and by weaving in his credibility and experience.

A key lesson is that an entrepreneur cannot be everything to everyone.The learning imparted to Lucia Manthata, who delivered the winning pitch for her pre-school and was the Wild Card chosen on the day, was the impact of sharing a story that connects to the audience. By knowing her services, business model, differentiating factors and numbers, her pitch stood out as it reflected her business acumen.Timothy Mashego, who has a manufacturing business, built a more polished pitch by becoming clearer about expressing his core business. However, to illustrate expertise in an industry, deep research must be done on the competitive environment.

Through Lethabo Tema, a mining consultant, the delegates saw how sharing facts and stats about the industry are effective and impactful. However, they must be directly relevant to the business. Her final pitch saw her winning third place.“Nedbank strongly believes in the development of small business. An important lesson highlighted in today’s workshop is for entrepreneurs to surround their businesses with professionals that they can collaborate with, for growth,” comments Treston Brown, Relationship Manager from Nedbank.Insider tip: Self-motivation is key and powered from within, by having purpose and taking action.

Are you an entrepreneur in your head or in reality? The difference is taking the first step, which must be specific and practical.As the 2018 winner of the eMalahleni leg of ENGEN Pitch & Polish, Lucia Manthata won R6 000 and a week of training at Raizcorp in Johannesburg worth R150 000. She also has the opportunity to progress to the semi-final and become the ultimate 2018 ENGEN Pitch & Polish winner and receive further cash injections and other prizes.Congratulations to everyone for attending, for taking action and for being the light that shines on the local entrepreneurial environment.For more information, visit www.pitchandpolish.com.In this picture (from left to right):• Siphiwe Mahlangu, manufacture stainless steel products, from Middleburg• Lethabo Tema, mining consultant, from Witbank• Lucia Manthata, pre-school, from Nelspruit• Jenna Bowker, eco-friendly pest control, moving to Nelspruit• Timothy Mashego, manufacturing, from Witbank

WIN R80 000 IN CASH FOR YOUR BIZ! Running your own business? Want to run your own business? Either way, ENGEN Pitch & Polish is the platform you need to launch you on the path to success!

Now in its ninth year, ENGEN Pitch & Polish is a national entrepreneurial workshop and competition that – so far – has helped around 10 000 entrepreneurs improve the way they pitch their businesses to potential investors. A perfectly polished pitch is key to growing and succeeding in business!

Magic always happens when investors hear a well-rounded pitch, as seen at the 2017 final where the winner was offered R2.5 million in potential funding. This year’s programme is hosted in partnership with Engen Petroleum Ltd, Nedbank and Raizcorp, with the Johannesburg workshop taking place on Saturday 13 October.

You can register to attend as a delegate or – if you feel you have what it takes – you can complete an online entry form to be considered as a contestant. During one exhilarating, exciting and fun free day, participants undergo comprehensive and interactive entrepreneurial training on how to pitch like a pro!

The session is facilitated by Justin Cohen, best-selling author, international speaker and TV talk-show host. After the training session, the pre-selected contestants can pitch their ideas or businesses to the whole audience. This is where things get really interesting, with both the facilitator and the audience providing feedback on how pitches can be improved.

Book now to ensure your place in Johannesburg on Saturday 13 October. SMS “Pitch” to 43719 (SMSs charged at 50c) or visit www.pitchandpolish.com to complete an entry form.

The Durban leg of the ninth annual ENGEN Pitch & Polish programme was held on Saturday, 8 September with excellent attendance by enthusiastic entrepreneurs from the area. Since inception, this national entrepreneurial workshop and competition – hosted in partnership with Engen Petroleum Ltd, Nedbank, Raizcorp and Caxton Local Media – has helped over 11 000 entrepreneurs improve the way they pitch their businesses to potential investors.

“Engen Petroleum believes there is great value in raising the concept of polishing ideas and partners with businesses, such as Raizcorp, to create entrepreneurs that will generate jobs and subsequently curb unemployment to alleviate poverty,” states Unathi Njokweni-Magida, the Head of Transformation & Stakeholder Engagement at Engen Petroleum Ltd. “Entrepreneurs are the future for change.

The essence of ENGEN Pitch & Polish is to bring beautiful ideas and business to life by teaching what and how to communicate succinctly, effectively and with confidence,” she continues. The day’s winning formula saw Justin Cohen (best-selling author and international speaker) motivating the crowd about the value of delivering a polished pitch. The workshop aims to teach participants how to develop a well-rounded and investor-ready pitch.

The interactive nature of the event ensures that everyone participates while learning at the same time. At each event, five contestants pitch their businesses while the facilitator and attendees offer guidance, advice and direction to help shape the pitches. Justin teaches that, at times, optimism and enthusiasm can be more important than academics and says, “Confusion is the death of a pitch; keep it simple.”

For example, through the example of Shiroma Bennimahadeo, who came in third place, and her biomedical engineering consultancy idea, the delegates saw the impact of a strong opening and how to weave in how investors will benefit, through the use of branding as well as financial information. Her quiet confidence was effective, and she delivered an excellent three-minute pitch to the “investors” in a centred and authentic manner. The feedback that Ayanda Magubane received for his mobile cleaning services was to keep his offering simple by focusing on the core business, then bringing in expansion plans only if there is time. A business model that is easy to grasp will lead to a quicker understanding. Knowing his target market and vision is a great strength.

Phumzile Manana, who came in second place with her existing food-manufacturing business, was clear on what she wanted the money for and her business acumen came through well. Her feedback included the importance of securing many clients instead of pinning one’s hopes on one large contract. Placing more focus on the product instead of on the business model was a key learning of the pitch delivered by Jacqueline Mccarroll, whose company distributes water and energy saving products.

Participants learned to weave in credible successes early in the pitch as this builds trust. They also learned that rehearsing one’s pitch is highly beneficial and that comparing their products or services with something already in the market that is relatable helps to paint a picture more quickly. From here, you can move on to the financial side more smoothly. The winning pitch was delivered by the wild card entry of the day (someone who is chosen by the audience).

Mongezi Dlamini has a hydroponic farming business and worked hard to polish his pitch throughout the day. The audience saw how impactful a powerful opening can be, with Mongezi delivering a concise introduction followed by outlining the problem and then presenting his solution. His compelling proposition was refined and showed how imperative it is to be specific about numbers. Insider tip: 50% of your pitch is not what you say, it is rather how you say it. Imbue confidence and clarity into your pitch combined with depth of knowledge.

As the 2018 winner of the Durban leg of ENGEN Pitch & Polish, Mongezi Dlamini won R6 000 and a week of training at Raizcorp in Johannesburg worth R150 000. He also has the opportunity to progress to the semi-final and become the ultimate 2018 ENGEN Pitch & Polish winner and receive further cash injections and other prizes. Congratulations to everyone for attending, for taking action and for being the light that shines on the local entrepreneurial environment.

For more information, visit www.pitchandpolish.com.

In this picture (from left to right): Mongezi Dlamini, hydroponic farming Shiroma Bennimahadeo, biomedical engineering consultancy Phumzile Manana, food manufacturingJacqueline Mccarroll, water and energy saving products Ayanda Magubane, mobile cleaning services

We have great news to share – ENGEN Pitch & Polish, the annual free Entrepreneurial training workshop and competition, will be in TWO Mpumalanga cities this year – eMalahleni and Nelspruit. 

 Emalahleni on Saturday 29 September 2018 ; Portuguese Hall, 95 Nita Avenue, eMalahleni

Nelspruit on Saturday 06 October 2018 ; Arena @ Emnotweni, Government Boulevard, Nelspruit 

WIN R80 000 IN CASH FOR YOUR BIZ! Running your own business? Want to run your own business? Either way, ENGEN Pitch & Polish is the platform you need to launch you on the path to success! Now in its ninth year, ENGEN Pitch & Polish is a national entrepreneurial workshop and competition that - so far - has helped around 10 000 entrepreneurs improve the way they pitch their businesses to potential investors.

A perfectly polished pitch is key to growing and succeeding in business! Magic always happens when investors hear a well-rounded pitch, as seen at the 2017 final where the winner was offered R2.5 million in potential funding.

This year's programme is hosted in partnership with Engen Petroleum Ltd, Nedbank and Raizcorp, with the eMalahleni workshop taking place on Saturday 29 September and the Nelspruit workshop taking place on Saturday 6 October. You can register to attend as a delegate or - if you feel you have what it takes - you can complete an online entry form to be considered as a contestant.

During one exhilarating, exciting and fun free day, participants undergo comprehensive and interactive entrepreneurial training on how to pitch like a pro! The session is facilitated by Justin Cohen, best-selling author, international speaker and TV talk-show host.

After the training session, the pre-selected contestants can pitch their ideas or businesses to the whole audience. This is where things get really interesting, with both the facilitator and the audience providing feedback on how pitches can be improved.

Book now to ensure your place. SMS "Pitch" to 43719 (SMSs charged at 50c) or visit www.pitchandpolish.com to complete an entry form.

WIN R80 000 IN CASH FOR YOUR BIZ!Running your own business? Want to run your own business? Either way, ENGEN Pitch & Polish is the platform you need to launch you on the path to success! Now in its ninth year, ENGEN Pitch & Polish is a national entrepreneurial workshop and competition that – so far – has helped around 10 000 entrepreneurs improve the way they pitch their businesses to potential investors.

A perfectly polished pitch is key to growing and succeeding in business! Magic always happens when investors hear a well-rounded pitch, as seen at the 2017 final where the winner was offered R2.5 million in potential funding. This year’s programme is hosted in partnership with Engen Petroleum Ltd, Nedbank and Raizcorp, with the Grahamstown workshop taking place on Saturday 15 September.

You can register to attend as a delegate or – if you feel you have what it takes – you can complete an online entry form to be considered as a contestant. During one exhilarating, exciting and fun free day, participants undergo comprehensive and interactive entrepreneurial training on how to pitch like a pro! The session is facilitated by Justin Cohen, best-selling author, international speaker and TV talk-show host. After the training session, the pre-selected contestants can pitch their ideas or businesses to the whole audience.

This is where things get really interesting, with both the facilitator and the audience providing feedback on how pitches can be improved. Book now to ensure your place in Grahamstown on Saturday 15 September.

SMS “Pitch” to 43719 (SMSs charged at 50c) or visit www.pitchandpolish.com to complete an entry form. 

We have great news to share – ENGEN Pitch & Polish will be in Newcastle on Saturday 1st September 2018, to host their free Entrepreneurial training workshop and competition at the Pines Conference Centre.

WIN R80 000 IN CASH FOR YOUR BIZ!Running your own business? Want to run your own business? Either way, ENGEN Pitch & Polish is the platform you need to launch you on the path to success! Now in its ninth year, ENGEN Pitch & Polish is a national entrepreneurial workshop and competition that – so far – has helped around 10 000 entrepreneurs improve the way they pitch their businesses to potential investors.

A perfectly polished pitch is key to growing and succeeding in business! Magic always happens when investors hear a well-rounded pitch, as seen at the 2017 final where the winner was offered R2.5 million in potential funding. This year’s programme is hosted in partnership with Engen Petroleum Ltd, Nedbank, Raizcorp and Caxton Local Media, with the Newcastle workshop taking place on Saturday 1 September.

You can register to attend as a delegate or – if you feel you have what it takes – you can complete an online entry form to be considered as a contestant. During one exhilarating, exciting and fun free day, participants undergo comprehensive and interactive entrepreneurial training on how to pitch like a pro!

The session is facilitated by Justin Cohen, best-selling author, international speaker and TV talk-show host. After the training session, the pre-selected contestants can pitch their ideas or businesses to the whole audience. This is where things get really interesting, with both the facilitator and the audience providing feedback on how pitches can be improved.

Book now to ensure your place in Newcastle on Saturday 1 September. SMS “Pitch” to 43719 (SMSs charged at 50c) or visit www.pitchandpolish.com to complete an entry form. 

DOES YOUR PITCH REFLECT YOUR VALUES?  Now in its ninth year, ENGEN Pitch & Polish, in partnership with Engen Petroleum Ltd, Nedbank and Raizcorp, is a national entrepreneurial workshop and competition programme that – so far – has helped over 10 000 entrepreneurs improve the way they pitch their businesses to potential investors.

“The ENGEN Pitch & Polish initiative invites entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs to participate in a full day workshop and competition, to build their businesses on firm foundations and values” urges Unathi Njokweni-Magida, the Head of Transformation & Stakeholder Engagement at Engen Petroleum Ltd. “At Engen Petroleum, we continue to be a firm partner as this gives budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch and present their business or idea, to an audience, where the feedback loop creates an empowering learning environment. Engen believes growing and nurturing business skills for emerging entrepreneurs in South Africa will boost employment, improve education levels and help alleviate poverty.

To accomplish this, we are proud to step up and support these future stars, to help propel them forward and become flourishing future employers,” explains Unathi.   As the 2018 workshops begin, below is some advice on the importance of values when crafting the perfect pitch.

It is highly unlikely that someone will invest in your business if your values do not align with theirs. As a real example, a billionaire once turned down the opportunity to invest in a rave business just as the rave scene was about to explode. Despite the lure of vast profits, the billionaire knew that raves attracted drug dealers and that large amounts of drugs were being peddled. This was completely contrary to his system of values and he declined to invest. The need for aligned values also holds true from the perspective of the investee. If, after pitching to an investor, you discover that she has shares in a textile factory in the East that makes use of child labour, would you still take her money?   So, how should you go about ensuring that your pitch reflects your values?

Here are three helpful guidelines to assist you:

1. Awareness Have you ever sat down and really thought about the values which guide your choices in life? Have you ever considered whether they are good or bad values? A good value is something that you can control internally, for example, always taking responsibility for what happens in your life and your business, or always being honest (even if playing fast and loose with the truth would sometimes be easier). A bad value, on the other hand, is something that is controlled by external factors and not by yourself. An example would be wealth for the sake of wealth, or loyalty to the point of blindness. Think carefully about your values and make sure you have settled on ones that you can control, such as a commitment to always learning, humility and self-respect.

2. Clarity Having settled on your values, you must examine them from every angle. After any pitch, a potential investor will ask questions about numerous aspects of your business or business model. Any answers you give must be congruent with the values encompassed in the pitch you have just made. For example, if your pitch has touched on your willingness to learn and the fact that you never assume you know everything, it will not impress your potential investor if you come across as arrogant or a know-it-all when answering any follow-up questions.

3. Alignment It is also essential that your chosen values align with those of your would-be investor. If you are prepared to sacrifice your values for the sake of getting funding, it reflects poorly on you as a person and on your business.

For example, if you value honesty and the potential investor offers you R100 000 more than what you’re asking for to hire her nephew as your marketing director, the offer will clearly be in conflict with your values. Also remember that any deal you finally strike with your investor should be congruent with your values.

Tracy Afonso, Nedbank Head of Strategy: Professional Banking and Small Business, says as money experts, Nedbank is committed to doing good and is proud to be part of this inspiring initiative with Engen and Raizcorp as a co-sponsor since 2016. “Unlocking the potential of the SME sector is key to economic growth and job creation in South Africa.  We believe that this sponsorship aligns with our brand purpose to use our financial expertise to enable individuals, families, businesses and society to do good. As a business, we vote for and support small business in South Africa, and help them achieve their goals,” concludes Afonso.

While it may sometimes seem difficult to uphold your values in the face of a tempting deal, in the long term it will serve you well. As an individual and as a business, you will grow a reputation for being steadfast and true… and that is worth a great deal more than a quick buck!

For more information on ENGEN Pitch & Polish and the 2018 programme, please visit www.pitchandpolish.com

We have great news to share – ENGEN Pitch & Polish will be in Cape Town on Saturday 4th August 2018, to host their free Entrepreneurial training workshop and competition at the CAB Conference Centre.

Below is the press release for you which includes information on how your audience can be part of it. Please share with them, as it’s a fabulous opportunity for all who attend. Please diarise the date – as we’d love to host you at the event.

WIN R80 000 IN CASH FOR YOUR BIZ!

Running your own business? Want to run your own business? Either way, ENGEN Pitch & Polish is the platform you need to launch you on the path to success!

Now in its ninth year, ENGEN Pitch & Polish is a national entrepreneurial workshop and competition that – so far – has helped around 10 000 entrepreneurs improve the way they pitch their businesses to potential investors. A perfectly polished pitch is key to growing and succeeding in business! Magic always happens when investors hear a well-rounded pitch, as seen at the 2017 final where the winner was offered R2.5 million in potential funding.

This year’s programme is hosted in partnership with Engen Petroleum Ltd, Nedbank and Raizcorp, with the first leg taking place in Cape Town on 4 August. You can register as a delegate to attend the workshop or – if you feel you have what it takes – you can complete an online entry form to be considered as a contestant.

During one exhilarating, exciting and fun free day, participants undergo comprehensive and interactive entrepreneurial training on how to pitch like a pro! The session is facilitated by Justin Cohen, best-selling author, international speaker and TV talk-show host.

After the training session, the pre-selected contestants can pitch their ideas or businesses to the whole audience. This is where things get really interesting, with both the facilitator and the audience providing feedback on how pitches can be improved.

Book now to ensure your place in Cape Town on 4 August. SMS “Pitch” to 43719 (SMSs charged at 50c) or visit www.pitchandpolish.com to complete an entry form.

The people of Phola Park, Mpumalanga are reaping the benefits of 24-hour 1 Plus convenience offered by the all new Engen Phola Park Convenience Centre, which officially opened on 15 March 2018.

Engen Phola Park Convenience Centre is located at the entrance of the newly built Phola Mall on the corner of the R573 and P764, KwaMhlanga. Engen Phola Park Convenience Centre was built as part of the greater Phola Mall Shopping Centre development. Customers can enjoy a diverse range of convenience services including an Engen Quickshop, Corner Bakery, a water bar, eco-friendly car wash and multi-branded ATM machines – including ABSA and soon to be added Capitec and Standard Bank.

The 10-pump site offers customer’s quality fuels such as Engen Primax Unleaded and Engen Dynamic Diesel 50ppm with ease of access and service for heavy duty vehicles and trucks. As the new owners of Engen Phola Park, Frans and Lourens Lombard are extremely excited to offer the Phola Park community 24-hour convenience. Engen Phola Park is one of the latest additions to their Fuelarama group of service stations.

The group also operates Engen Fleurdal Convenience in Bloemfontein and Engen Raslouw in Centurion, which will be adding a Woolworths Foodstop to its offering in May this year. “We are very proud of our association with Engen and the McCormick Group who undertook to build this new retail shopping centre in KwaMhlanga,” says Ben Fourie, Operations Manager for the Fuelarama Group. “The Engen brand has a substantial footprint and is well known amongst our customers who have come to associate themselves with Engen’s brand promise of With us you are Number One.

This promise fits in with our high operating standards and shared vision,” adds Fourie.

Fourie and his team are focused on continually building relationships with customers and business partners. “As the Fuelarama Group we believe business must be about transforming and uplifting and not only transactional which is why operating at Phola Park Mall makes sense on all levels,” he says. Says Seelan Naidoo, Engen’s Head of Retail: “Engen is very excited to see our network flourishing. Convenience and customer service remain key determinants of success in our industry.

Last year we opened 10 new service stations and we are planning another aggressive new site programme in 2018.  “We wish our new dealers Frans Lombard and Lourens Lombard every success.”

Thank you for following the 2017 ENGEN Pitch & Polish entrepreneurial workshop and competition. The final was held in Johannesburg on the 30th of November and the winners announced. First place went to Bruce Diale, from Polokwane, second place went to Refilwe Matsaneng, from Welkom/Bloemfontein and third place to Renschia Manuel, from Cape Town. 

Please support the growth of entrepreneurs in this country by sharing this good news with your audience. Below is the release with images attached. Please let me know if there is anything else I can assist you with. On a personal note, I wish I could encapsulate the electricity, magic and excitement from the night, which is the culmination of months (and years) of building entrepreneurs, for the future of this country. Thank you for coming on the journey with me, I so look forward to hearing from you. 

Become the number one pitch hustler

The word “hustle” comes from a Dutch word that means “to shake things up”. Traditionally, the English word “hustler” was used to describe a dishonest person, who would do anything to make money. Hustling is, however, no longer a dirty word; nowadays, a hustler is someone who makes things happen. Hustling is about movement, activity and shaking things up in a positive way – the very things that entrepreneurs need to succeed! 

Successful hustlers exist everywhere, and all entrepreneurs have much to learn from those who have mastered the art of the hustle! Whether they are building a business, selling a product or offering a service, hustlers focus on their goal and do whatever it takes to achieve the goal. Hustlers put in the hours and don’t waste time doing things that don’t contribute to their success in some way. 

Hustlers grab every opportunity to pitch their business to potential funders and clients. They are seasoned pitch artists, and having secured the opportunity to pitch, know exactly what they want to say. Hustlers present a polished pitch! For this reason, the ENGEN Pitch & Polish programme, hosted by Engen Petroleum Ltd and Nedbank, powered by Raizcorp and supported by national media partner, Caxton Local Media, is based on teaching entrepreneurs to present a winning pitch that is clear and focused. “With us you are number one”, the headline sponsor Engen’s slogan, could just as easily apply to the hustler’s attitude towards his clients and business. Hustlers put their clients first. Their elevator pitch is ready to go and hustlers, always thinking on their feet, can adapt their pitch to meet the needs of different audiences.  

Nedbank, a co-sponsor of ENGEN Pitch & Polish, encourages people to “make your money hustle for you”. Hustlers know how to do this. They think carefully about their pricing model, know how to calculate profit, and make their money work for them! 

Hustlers do not give up when they hear “no”. They see rejection as an opportunity to be overcome, not a roadblock. At ENGEN Pitch & Polish, entrepreneurs are subjected to many “no’s” as they learn to perfect their pitches. Those who learn to use this feedback to their advantage - are the hustlers! 

The pitch that was delivered from the heart, with the greatest ease, confidence, and precision - as well as energy and enthusiasm - were the qualities that caught the eye of the judges, and resulted in Bruce Diale, from Polokwane, winning the 2017 ENGEN Pitch and Polish programme, at an exclusive and prestigious event, held in Johannesburg, on 30th November. Bruce’s Agri-consulting business has developed, and patented, Gardenizly, an innovative vegetable gardening product, which is both water and space efficient. 

This was not the only reason for his victory. “We chose Bruce as this year’s winner,” says Joe Mahlo, GM for Sales and Marketing, from Engen Petroleum Ltd, who was one of this year’s judges, “because he was clear on the value that his product and business will add to his clients and, indeed, to the world.” This is yet another indispensable quality of the hustler. Watch this space. A hustler has been born! 

Second place was awarded to Refilwe Matsaneng, from Welkom, for her hair products business, GloLooks. Third place went to Renschia Manuel, from Cape Town, for her portable urban veggie growing boxes, GrowBox, business. 

“It’s intimidating and unnerving to ask for money,” says Grace Govender, Head of New Business and Support for Relationship Banking, Nedbank. “To overcome this, entrepreneurs must focus on being properly prepared and authentic.” 

To further help the entrepreneurs, Caxton Local Media, with over 140 publications, whose roots, too, are deeply embedded in the country, awarded the winner with R20,000 in advertising. “Caxton is firmly established in, and supportive of, local communities in South Africa and the partnership with ENGEN Pitch & Polish, along with Engen, Nedbank and Raizcorp, is a natural fit. We all believe in building small business, from grassroots up,” explains Dejane Poil, Head of Innovation at Caxton. 

There was magic on the night as esteemed guests offered these three entrepreneurs further opportunities for growth and expansion. 

ENGEN Pitch & Polish’s power lies in its ability to identify, through their pitch, the entrepreneurs that are number one hustlers. “These are the entrepreneurs who demonstrate the ambition to excel and the motivation to put in the work,” says Allon Raiz, the originator of the Pitch & Polish concept, now in its eighth year of identifying entrepreneurs who truly understand what it means to up the hustle! 

For more information, visit www.pitchandpolish.com -

-- ENDS --

 In the group photo (left to right): Mervyn Pillay (Nedbank) Bruce Diale (Winner) Allon Raiz (Raizcorp) Joe Mahlo (Engen) 

ABOUT

The annual programme is called: ENGEN Pitch & Polish.

Engen Petroleum Ltd is the headline sponsor. Nedbank is a sponsor.

The programme is a Raizcorp initiative.

The national media partner is Caxton Local Media.

For editorial purposes, the spokesperson and project manager is Bronwyn Echardt from Raizcorp.

The PR Contact is Jodi Lynn Karpes from GreenQueen Communications, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.