More Than Just Business

The Ultimate Pitch
Festival

Empowering young entrepreneurs.
Building tomorrow's economy.

A powerful community business festival bringing entrepreneurs, youth, sponsors, investors and local businesses together to create opportunity, build networks and inspire South Africans to create their own economy.

Enter the Smart Shark Competition → Book a Business Stand → Become a Sponsor →

The Ultimate Pitch Festival mascot: a shark wearing sunglasses and a leather jacket, singing into a microphone

10 October 2026

From 9:00 AM

The Grasslands Driving Range, Benoni

🏆 Over R40 000in prizes

👥 Ages 13–23competition

🏬 Business MarketplaceShowcase. Network. Grow.

🎵 Live EntertainmentMusic, food, fun zone & more!

What is The Ultimate Pitch Festival?

The Ultimate Pitch Festival is a Rotary BizEast initiative created to support small and medium enterprises while encouraging young people to think boldly about business, employment and community impact. It combines an SME marketplace, business pitching, networking, live entertainment, sponsorship opportunities and a youth pitch competition.

Business Showcase

Local entrepreneurs and SMEs can showcase their products and services, promote their brands, sell on the day and connect with the wider East Rand business community.

Youth Opportunity

Young people between 13 and 23 can enter the Smart Shark Pitch Competition and present business ideas that show creativity, purpose and community contribution.

Community Impact

Every business concept is encouraged to consider how it can give back, uplift others and contribute to creating a stronger local economy.

Smart Shark Pitch Competition

The Smart Shark Pitch Competition invites youth aged 13 to 23 to submit a business concept and prepare to pitch their idea to the Smart Shark Council.

Finalists will present their business ideas on 10 October 2026 at The Ultimate Pitch Festival. The competition is designed not only to identify winners, but to assess every entrant and explore how Rotary BizEast and its partners can assist with future learning, development and business support.

Enter the Competition

Key Details

Closing date: 12 September 2026

Finals: 10 October 2026

Prizes: Over R40 000 in prizes to be won

Important: Sponsored prizes may not be exchanged for cash.

SME Showcase & Market

Businesses are invited to book a stand, bring branded gazebos and promotional material, and use the day to market, sell, pitch and build meaningful relationships. This is not just another market — it is a platform for business growth, visibility and community collaboration.

What Businesses Receive

Exposure, networking, sales opportunities, public engagement and the chance to be seen by community members, sponsors and potential investors.

Pitch Opportunities

Selected businesses can indicate whether they would like a slot to pitch their business in the VIP section or through event spotlight announcements.

Important Stand Notes

Only gazebos will be allowed. Businesses must provide their own generator where required. Food spaces are limited and will be allocated separately.

Festival Programme

The day is designed to flow as a vibrant business festival with entertainment, SME visibility, youth inspiration and Smart Shark pitch presentations.

09:00 — Festival opens, SME stands and marketplace begin

Throughout the day — Business spotlight announcements, networking and sponsor activations

Live entertainment — Music and community engagement featuring Q The Music Social Club

Smart Shark Finals — Finalists present to the Smart Shark Council

Prize Giving — Winners announced and entrant support pathways identified

Sponsor the Movement

Sponsors are invited to partner with Rotary BizEast in creating meaningful opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs. Sponsorship can include prizes, services, learning opportunities, equipment, digital exposure or direct support for the festival.

Current Partner Opportunity

The Elevation Hub, working with Work 4 a Living, has indicated willingness to sponsor development opportunities including a Job Excellence Course, E-Café sessions totalling 24 hours, and a Business Course.

These prizes align beautifully with the purpose of the competition: equipping young people with practical skills, confidence and business readiness.

Discuss Sponsorship

Apply for a Stand

Ready to book your spot at the SME Showcase & Market? Complete the official stand application form to tell us about your business, your stand requirements and any promotion you'd like featured on the day.

Go to Stand Application Form

Contact Rotary BizEast

For stands, sponsorship, competition enquiries or partnership discussions, contact Jacqui Keel.

Event Enquiries

Jacqui: 083 625 1790

Email: keeljacqui@gmail.com

Hosted By

Rotary BizEast, operating as a satellite club of the Rotary Club of Johannesburg.