20/08/2026
COLLEGE ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (CEDP)
CALL FOR ENTRIES
INNOVATIVE BUSINESS IDEA COMPETITION 2026
Competition Guidelines and Instructions for Participants
1. Purpose of the Competition
The Coastal KZN TVET College Innovative Business Idea Competition is designed to identify,
develop and reward innovative business ideas from students that can solve real-life
challenges, create employment opportunities and contribute to South Africa's economic
development.
The competition forms part of the College Entrepreneurship Development Programme (CEDP)
and seeks to encourage innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship among TVET students.
2. Theme
"Innovative Ideas Today, Sustainable Businesses Tomorrow."
3. Who May Participate?
The competition is open to:
• All registered Coastal KZN TVET College students.
• Full-time and Part-time students.
• Individual participants or teams of up to three (3) members.
• Students from all campuses and all programme areas.
4. Competition Categories
Students are encouraged to submit innovative business ideas in any of the following
categories:
4.1 Green & Sustainable Innovation
Agriculture & Food Innovation
• Food Processing
• Agri-business
• Smart Farming
• Food Security Solutions
• Digital & Technology
• Mobile Applications
• Artificial Intelligence
• Software Development
• ICT Services
• Digital Solutions
Creative Industries
• Fashion
• Beauty
• Arts
• Media
• Design
• Entertainment
Community & Service Innovation
• Tourism
• Education
• Health
• Construction
• Hospitality
• Cleaning Services
• Business Services
• Automotive and Vehicle Services
• Mobile Vehicle Repair Service
• Automotive Diagnostic Centre
• Vehicle Maintenance and Servicing Workshop
• Brake and Clutch Repair Business
• Tyre Fitting and Wheel Alignment Centre
• Engineering and Technical Services
• Industrial Equipment Maintenance Services
• Mechanical Engineering Consultancy
• Pump Installation and Repair Services
• Compressor Repair and Maintenance Business
OR ANY OTHER CATEGORY
5. What We Are Looking For
Judges will assess ideas based on the following:
✔ Innovation and originality
✔ Problem-solving ability
✔ Market demand
✔ Feasibility
✔ Financial sustainability
✔ Social or environmental impact
✔ Job creation potential
✔ Scalability
6. Competition Process
Step 1 – Registration
Register your intention to participate before the closing date (21 August 2026)
Step 2 – Business Idea Submission
Each participant must submit:
• Completed Entry Form online (Just scan the QR Code)
• Business Idea Summary (Maximum 3 pages)
• Team Member Details (if applicable)
Step 3 – Pitch Training
Shortlisted participants will receive:
• Entrepreneurship Workshops
• Pitch Presentation
Step 4 – Pitching Round
Participants will present their ideas before a judging panel.
Each presentation should include:
• The problem
• Your solution
• Target customers
• Business model
• Financial opportunity
• Marketing strategy
• Expected impact
Presentation Time:
• 7-minute presentation
• 5-minute Question & Answer session
Step 5 – Grand Finale
Finalists will compete at the:
Grand Finale
Date: 27 August 2026
Venue: Swinton Campus Hall
7. Judging Criteria
Criteria Weight
Innovation & Creativity 25%
Problem Solving 20%
Market Opportunity 15%
Business Viability 15%
Presentation Skills 10%
Social Impact 10%
Sustainability 5%
8. Amazing Prizes to be Won!
Winners will receive exciting rewards, including:
9. Winner Exposure Opportunities
Winning the competition offers more than prizes. Winners will receive valuable exposure
through:
• Showcasing their business idea at College and Industry events.
• Media coverage and social media promotion.
• Networking opportunities with business leaders and investors.
• Opportunities to pitch to potential funders and strategic partners.
• Exposure to entrepreneurship competitions at provincial and national level.
• Opportunities for business incubation and enterprise development support.
• Recognition as Coastal KZN TVET College Student Entrepreneurs.
10. What Participants Will Gain
Every participant will benefit from:
• Entrepreneurship skills development.
• Business planning experience.
• Presentation and pitching skills.
• Confidence in public speaking.
• Networking opportunities.
• Mentorship from entrepreneurs.
• Exposure to industry professionals.
• Practical experience in developing a business concept.
• Improved employability and entrepreneurial readiness.
11. Key Dates
Activity Date
Competition Closing Date 21 August
Registration Opens 06 August 2026
12. Submission Requirements
Participants must submit:
• Completed Entry Form.
• Business Idea Summary (maximum 3 pages).
• Business Model Canvas (recommended).
• Pitch Presentation (for shortlisted finalists).
13. Important Rules
• All ideas must be original.
• Plagiarism or copied ideas will result in disqualification.
• Participants may only submit one business idea.
• Teams may consist of no more than five members.
• Judges' decisions will be final.
• Coastal KZN TVET College reserves the right to publish winning ideas for promotional purposes while acknowledging the creators.
Ready to Turn Your Idea into a Business?
Don't just imagine the future—create it!
This is your opportunity to showcase your innovation, solve real-world challenges, build your
entrepreneurial skills, gain valuable exposure, connect with industry leaders, and compete for
exciting prizes.
Think Big. Innovate Boldly. Build Your Future.
College Entrepreneurship Development Programme (CEDP)Coastal KZN TVET College –
Your Pioneering Centre of Excellence
www.coastalkzn.edu.za
