Sanlam Private Wealth’s Ventures Foundation programme – an initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of high-growth creative entrepreneurs – has reached an important milestone. After 12 entrants were shortlisted in late March from more than 150 submissions across South Africa, the top five designers were announced earlier this week.

‘Narrowing the field to just five was extremely difficult,’ says Theesan Moodley, Chief Executive Officer of Sanlam Private Wealth. ‘The quality of work produced by all 12 designers was exceptionally high, offering a powerful reminder of the depth of design talent and entrepreneurial ambition in this country.’

The selection process followed an intensive business bootcamp in Cape Town in April, where the 12 shortlisted entrepreneurs participated in two days of workshops and masterclasses, as well as mentorship and practical business support.

What happens next

The top five will now have the opportunity to take their designs from concept to fully realised prototypes. Assisted by a manufacturing partner, they will produce prototype pieces to be showcased at 100% Design South Africa. They’ll also participate in a customised mentorship and entrepreneurship programme, working closely with leading mentors across design, business strategy and market development, including experts from Sanlam Private Wealth.

The journey culminates in a standout opportunity: one overall winner will travel to Maison&Objet in Paris, one of the world’s leading design fairs. This provides not only international exposure but also access to global trends, networks and markets that can help shape the next stage of their business growth.