You’ve built the business. You’ve found your customers. You’re bringing in revenue. But what could you achieve with the capital to take things further?
That’s the question at the heart of the Agda Agricultural Business Pitch Competition, powered by Agda, Masimong and Winfield United SA. The competition invites small and medium-sized farming and agro-processing businesses across South Africa to pitch their ambitions and make the case for growth.
Whether you want to increase production, reach new markets, grow your customer base or create more jobs, this competition offers an opportunity to tell your story and demonstrate what the right funding could unlock.
The competition forms part of the Agricultural Development Agency’s Annual Stakeholder and Member Engagement Conference, taking place at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg on Thu. 22 and Fri. 23 October 2026.
Five finalists will be selected to pitch their businesses in person on Thu. 22 October, putting their ambitions and growth plans before an audience of agricultural stakeholders.
But first, you need to get your application in by Friday, 6 October 2026.
Ready to pitch your business and grow your future? Click on this link to apply.
Ready for the next move?
Let’s be clear: this competition is not for business ideas still waiting to get off the ground. Agda is looking for businesses that are already trading, generating revenue and ready to grow with additional capital.
To qualify, your business must have been operational for at least 12 months and generated at least R500 000 in revenue over the past 12 months. It must also be based and operating in South Africa, with a genuine need for funding to expand.
That could mean a farmer looking to increase production capacity, an agro-processor ready to invest in equipment, or a growing enterprise with an opportunity to supply new customers or enter a new market.
The common thread? A business with a proven track record and a credible plan for what comes next.
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Applicants should be able to demonstrate how additional capital could translate into measurable growth, whether through increased revenue, more customers, job creation, higher production volumes or market expansion.
Already received funding from another source? You can still apply, provided you can explain why further capital is needed and how it would support the next phase of your business.
Pre-revenue businesses, unlaunched ventures and businesses unable to demonstrate current revenue will not qualify. Applications must be submitted by the business owner, founder or an authorised representative.
Ready to pitch your business and grow your future? Click on this link to apply.
Your business story deserves the spotlight
You don’t need a Hollywood production or a complicated presentation to make your pitch. You need a clear story, a solid understanding of your business and a convincing explanation of where you want to go.
The first step is to submit your business details, including your location, operating history, approximate annual revenue, employee numbers and a short description of what you do. You’ll also need to provide your name and contact details.
Then comes your video pitch, which must be between three and five minutes long.
Use those minutes wisely. Introduce yourself and your business, explain what you offer and who your customers are, and show where the business stands today. Then get to the big question: why do you need additional capital, and what difference would it make?
Think beyond simply saying you need money. Explain the opportunity you want to pursue, the challenge holding you back and what you could realistically achieve with the right investment. A clear account of how you intend to use the capital will help bring your growth plans to life.
Perhaps an additional processing line could help you fulfil larger orders. Maybe working capital would allow you to buy inputs in time for the season. Or perhaps investment in infrastructure could help you scale production and create employment in your community.
Whatever your growth ambition, make it practical. Show the potential for the business to move forward.
5 finalists, 1 opportunity to make your case
Following the application process, submissions will be assessed against the competition’s qualifying criteria and judging framework. Applicants who progress may be asked to provide supporting documents to verify the information submitted, including business registration and relevant financial records.
Five finalists will have the opportunity to pitch in person at the Agda conference in Boksburg on Thu. 22 October, with the winner announced during the evening cocktail function.
For qualifying businesses, this is a chance to put their ambitions forward, demonstrate the potential of an existing enterprise and make a compelling case for the capital needed to grow.
Shortlisting and winning are not guaranteed, and all information submitted must be accurate and verifiable. Finalists must also be available to attend and pitch in person.
Still, if your business is trading, generating revenue and ready to take the next step, this is an opportunity worth pursuing.
Ready to pitch your business and grow your future? Click on this link to apply.
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