This year’s competition is expanding into new territory and offering additional opportunities to innovative South African entrepreneurs

Real access. Real networking. Real opportunity.

The GIBS Route to Market entrepreneurial programme – now entering its third year – brings together Aspen Pharmacare (medical and health industries), DHL (logistics) and, for the first time, uMngeni-uThukela Water (water), in partnership with leading South African business incubator, Raizcorp. Unlike traditional business competitions, Route to Market isn’t about prize money – instead, it offers entrepreneurs running small and growing businesses an unmatched opportunity to break into corporate supply chains and build strategic, impactful business relationships.

“Promoting an environment of entrepreneurship, much like how Aspen was founded on entrepreneurial flair, is an important mindset for economic growth,” explains Stavros Nicolau, Group Senior Executive at Aspen Pharmacare. “The South African economy has demonstrated pedestrian growth and underemployment. Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of any economy and creating a multiplicity of SMEs would significantly dent South Africa’s unemployment statistics. Route to Market intends to create a real-life learning experience to stimulate and grow an entrepreneurial mindset for fledgling entrepreneurs in the healthcare sector.”

A pitch to the right people could change everything

Each year, promising entrepreneurs apply to compete in one of the categories, with only the most compelling applicants advancing to the shortlist. The top five finalists in each category then enter a high-touch, high-value preparation phase – one that transforms early potential into commercial readiness through expert input and targeted training. Participants receive business training from GIBS faculty and industry insiders, covering everything from CIPC and SARS compliance to banking, intellectual property and other technical requirements. They also undergo structured pitch coaching, receive valuable feedback and refine their value propositions with the support of experienced mentors.

Then comes the first pitch, delivered directly to a judging panel of individuals who shape supply chains and can facilitate real commercial conversations. The top three contestants in each category are invited back for a second round where they engage more deeply with decision-makers in a higher-stakes pitch session.

A seat at the table
The top finalist in each category earns the rare opportunity to sit down one-on-one with senior executives from their sponsor partner from each organisation. These sessions go beyond feedback. They’re designed to explore potential business synergies, procurement integration and future collaboration – conversations that can fundamentally shift the trajectory of a growing business.

Value at every stage of the competition

But that’s only part of the journey. All finalists receive a GIBS-endorsed certificate of participation and may be eligible to progress toward formal certification. Select participants are also invited to exclusive workshops, training sessions and networking events hosted by GIBS, Raizcorp and affiliated partners. Every participant walks away with sharpened business skills, increased exposure and powerful connections to support their next stage of growth.

Because that’s the very purpose of the competition: to forge long-term, high-impact partnerships – the kind that help small businesses grow into key contributors shaping the future of South Africa’s medical, logistics and water industries.

Real impact. Real results.

Last year’s results speak for themselves, with the competition delivering measurable outcomes. The 2024 competition led to commercial partnerships and opened doors that would have remained firmly closed without the programme.

Colin Mkosi, founder of Cloudy Deliveries and 2024 winner in the DHL category, since participating in the competition has built a mentor-mentee relationship with CEO of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, Hennie Heymans, which has led to tangible support. DHL has invested in Cloudy Deliveries, providing resources to help the business grow. As Mkosi puts it: “This programmes opens doors for businesses like mine to form partnerships with major players in the logistics industry, offering significant growth opportunities.”

New pathways for impact

With the addition of uMngeni-uThukela Water in 2025, the programme expands its footprint into the water industry – one of South Africa’s most vital and opportunity-rich sectors – creating new pathways for impact.

GIBS Route to Market is about building real bridges between growing businesses and the giants of industry. As South Africa looks to strengthen local supply chains and accelerate inclusive economic growth, this programme gives entrepreneurs the tools, training and access they need to step into that space with confidence.

Applications for GIBS Route to Market are now open. For more information, or to apply, visit https://routetomarket.co.za/enter-now/