By Ayanda Dlamini
SNG Grant Thornton Eswatini has reaffirmed its commitment to youth economic empowerment by awarding E30,000 in seed capital to promising young entrepreneurs at the SNG Grant Thornton Business Seminar Pitch Competition, organized by Begin Your Dreams.
The pitch competition marked the grand finale of a business seminar programme designed to move young people from entrepreneurial training to real-world implementation.
Ten youth-led businesses competed in a dynamic showcase of innovation, resilience, and growth potential, presenting their business models and expansion strategies to a panel of judges.
The finalists were selected from 30 young entrepreneurs who participated in an intensive three-day entrepreneurship workshop in December, making the competition a continuation of last year’s programme and a practical pathway toward sustainable enterprise development.
Pitch Competition Winners
• 1st Prize – E15,000: Hlobsile Dlamini, Pasture City (Pty) Ltd t/a Epower Hardware
• 2nd Prize – E10,000: Temalangeni Dlamini, Petra’s Bakery
• 3rd Prize – E5,000: Mphilisi Ngwenya, Shining Stars Academic Solutions
In addition to seed capital, all winners will receive six months of structured mentorship focused on business development, sustainability, and market growth.
The event drew key stakeholders, including Babsy Mavuso, CEO of Nhlangano Town Council, whose attendance underscored the importance of partnerships in strengthening local enterprise development and supporting youth entrepreneurship at the community level.
Speaking on behalf of SNG Grant Thornton, Bongkhosi Shongwe, Chairperson of Corporate Social Investment (CSI), emphasized that the initiative is about more than financial support. “SNG Grant Thornton continues to invest in young people, with a strong focus on sustainability and long-term impact,” Shongwe said.
Implemented through Begin Your Dreams, the program equips participants with essential business skills, mentorship, and exposure, ensuring that youth-owned enterprises are not only launched but also supported in growing into viable, investable businesses.
The seed capital is expected to help winners strengthen operations, expand their market reach, and accelerate growth, while inspiring other young entrepreneurs to build sustainable ventures.