Call for nominations: MTN Small Business Awards aim to boost township and emerging enterprises

Running a small business takes more than just a good idea, you need the right tools, support and people who understand what it takes to grow a business from the ground.

And that’s the philosophy behind the collaboration between 702 and MTN Business Awards, an initiative dedicated to recognising and amplifying the culture of Gauteng’s Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises.

The small business awards aim to help scale up and provide solutions to entrepreneurs, those who have established small and medium-sized operations, to help them grow and thrive.

General manager for SME and Indirect Channels at MTN, Dr Nkosi Khumalo explained how these awards have helped some of the previous winners.

"When you talk about Sayda Communications last year winning that award, what a marvel. What a difference maker it has made her. I have seen her grow before the actual awards. She had about six people working for her, she has grown to almost 38 people."

Nominations for this year’s awards officially opened on the 25th of March 2026 and will close on Friday, 17 April 2026.

Enter the MTN Small Business Awards 2026 

Gauteng residents, business owners and customers are encouraged to nominate exemplary small businesses that have gone beyond the call of duty to serve their communities.

Township businesses are strongly encouraged to make an application, to participate and gain the recognition and support they deserve.

"Some of the businesses that we are targeting are in the township. Some are in the rural areas where there might not be fibre, and then we obviously use the robustness of our fixed wireless access, which is just an antenna we put outside the building, pointed to a base station and we give you fibre-like speeds to actually enjoy the benefits of a modern connected life as a small business," Khumalo said.

For this year’s entries, they are seeking small businesses that make an impact in their communities.

"What are they doing, the difference they are making in their communities, how they are using technology to gain market share and grow."

Making an example with last year’s winner, Sayda Communications, Khumalo said to help grow her business from employing six to thirty people, Sayda Communications leveraged the power of technology.

"That’s the power of technology that is anchored by MTN and I think that for me is what underscores the difference with this competition."

This is the third year that MTN Small Business Awards has partnered with 702.

The 2026 Awards extend beyond mere recognition by providing winners with substantial support to help sustain and scale their operations.

Business cash boost:

1st place winner will walk away with R25,000, 2nd place takes home R20,000 and 3rd place R15,000

The Grand Prize winner receives a R200,000 advertising package while first and second runners-ups will get R100,000 advertising packages each.

This year’s Awards particularly seek to elevate small businesses that drive inclusive economic participation and sustainable community development.

Eligibility criteria:

Businesses must be SARS-compliant and operational for at least 12 months prior to entry. Must employ a minimum of two full-time employees, evidencing a tangible commitment to job creation and registered as a South African business entity.

The finalists will be profiled on both 702 and PrimediaPlus, with the award ceremony scheduled for Thursday, 23 April 2026, where winners will be announced and celebrated.

Enter the MTN Small Business Awards 2026