Busisiwe Thusi was one of the ten participants who pitched her potential business ideas at the ORT SA Business Plan Competition, sponsored by South32 and implemented by ORT SA. The purpose is to help kick-start young entrepreneurs with tenacity and revolutionary thinking and to encourage entrepreneurship for youth to remain economically sustainable.

Busisiwe has a dream of launching her own restaurant and felt the need for financial support. “I’ve always wanted to start my own business, and I needed an extra push in making this possible. I started by baking and cooking homemade meals. The lack of equipment meant that I was at a disadvantage. Ever since I entered the competition, my life has changed for the better.”

She faced stiff competition from the other contenders and pushed aside her fear, which led to her pitch being chosen as the winning pitch. “I was nervous at first during pitching, but I mustered my courage and pitched my business plan. I was very excited when I was selected as one of the winners. The business competition meant so much to me. During that time, I could see my dreams coming true. ORTSA has helped me so much through the business plan competition.”

The 10 winners were provided with equipment or resources to the value of R10 000 each to assist with turning an idea into reality.

Busisiwe has big plans for her business, “My goal is to expand my business, as well as launch a coffee shop. I would also like to employ more people to help”.

At a later stage, the winners could be part of the ORT Jet program, where they will receive mentoring, networking, and training to enhance their business acumen.