The GIBS Route to Market entrepreneurial programme, now entering its third year, will bring 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.
Route to Market isn’t about prize money: it offers entrepreneurs running small and growing businesses an 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.”
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.
The top finalist in each category earns the 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.
All finalists also 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.
Applications for GIBS Route to Market are now open. For more information, or to apply, visit https://routetomarket.co.za/enter-now/