As South Africa marks Entrepreneurship Week, it is time to rethink how we support entrepreneurs. Beyond celebrating their resilience, we need platforms that connect their potential to real opportunities.
Across South Africa, entrepreneurs are developing solutions, creating jobs and building businesses with the potential to change communities. Yet for many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in underserved communities, the challenge is not a lack of ambition or innovation. It is access to markets, funding, technology and the networks that unlock growth.
Entrepreneurs need more than motivation. They need practical support, meaningful connections and opportunities that translate potential into progress.
This is the thinking behind Innovex 2026, a free, two-day innovation and enterprise development summit hosted by Brandscapers Africa on 26-27 November 2026 at Ben Marais Hall in Rustenburg, North West.
Less lip service, more impact
Part of Brandscapers Africa’s annual summit series, Innovex champions inclusive economic growth through research, an understanding of economic activity and deliberate efforts to expand opportunities for SMEs, particularly in communities often excluded from mainstream business networks.
The summit takes a practical approach, bringing entrepreneurs, corporates, government and development institutions together around real business opportunities. SMEs can look forward to pitching challenges, prizes and giveaways, exhibitions, mentorship and business-support opportunities to strengthen their businesses and access new networks.
The focus spans four sectors: future energy and clean technologies; future water and the circular economy; future sustainable food systems; and future digital and smart industries.
Bringing the business ecosystem together
Confirmed speakers include Jane Sithole, deputy minister of small business development; Ndumiso Kubheka, CEO of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA); Mziwabantu Dayimani, CEO of the National Empowerment Fund (NEF); Tsholo Mogotsi, chief partnerships officer at the Youth Employment Service (YES); Eustace Mashimbye, CEO of Proudly South African; and Kgosana Dr Koketso Rakhudu of the Royal Bafokeng Nation. Local mayors and provincial premiers are also expected to support and attend the summit.
Confirmed partners include the NEF, Entresure, the NYDA, the CSIR, Rand Water, the Industrial Development Corporation, the Momentum Foundation, Petco, Machinery Contractors, the Royal Bafokeng Nation, MAFI Hub and ProNet Business Solutions.
An opportunity to be part of the future
Innovation should not be limited by geography, business size or access to established networks. South Africa’s next generation of successful businesses could emerge from anywhere, provided entrepreneurs have the opportunity and support to realise their potential.
Innovex 2026 aims to move beyond inspiration towards practical engagement, stronger connections and opportunities entrepreneurs can pursue long after the summit ends.
SMEs should leave differently from how they arrived – with new connections, greater knowledge, practical support and a clearer pathway to growth.
Join us on 26-27 November 2026 at Ben Marais Hall, Rustenburg, North West. Attendance is free. Register at www.innovexsummit.co.za. Innovation is everywhere. Opportunity must be, too.
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