Twenty aspiring entrepreneurs from across eThekwini have been selected to participate in the prestigious Project 10X Unicorn Programme, a business development initiative aimed at accelerating growth and improving market readiness for emerging enterprises.
The successful candidates were chosen from more than 200 applicants and announced during a launch event held at KZN Oils in Briardene, north of Durban.
Project 10X Supports Business Growth In KwaZulu-Natal
Project 10X is a partnership between eThekwini Municipality, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), KZN Oils and the RR Foundation.
The programme provides selected entrepreneurs with access to a comprehensive 10-month enterprise and supplier development programme designed to strengthen their businesses and improve long-term sustainability.
Participants will receive:
- Business mentorship
- Incubation support
- Business development training
- Financial assistance
- Market readiness support
The initiative aims to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses, create jobs and contribute to economic development in KwaZulu-Natal.
Creating Opportunities For Small Businesses
Chairperson of eThekwini Municipality's Economic Development and Planning Committee, Thembo Ntuli, said the programme is focused on helping entrepreneurs become active participants in the mainstream economy.
“Project 10X is not just a training programme; it is an investment in building resilient, high-growth businesses capable of creating jobs, reducing poverty, and driving inclusive economic growth. Through mentorship, incubation support and access to new opportunities, we are creating a bridge between business potential and market integration,” Ntuli said.
Entrepreneurship Key To Economic Growth
Esay Reddy, Chief Executive Officer of KZN Oils, highlighted the important role entrepreneurship plays in addressing unemployment and transforming communities.
“This initiative goes far beyond business development. Its impact reaches families and communities,” Reddy said.
Drawing on KZN Oils' experience of operating for more than 25 years, Reddy encouraged participants to remain patient, resilient and committed to their entrepreneurial journeys.
“The Project 10X philosophy is about thinking beyond and challenging businesses to realise their full potential.”
Government Backs Entrepreneur Development
EDTEA representative Thami Zondi said the department is proud to support programmes that strengthen small businesses and unlock economic opportunities.
The department believes initiatives such as Project 10X play an important role in promoting sustainable economic growth and supporting emerging entrepreneurs across KwaZulu-Natal.
Beneficiaries Welcome The Opportunity
One of the successful participants, Nozipho Memela, founder of governance, risk, compliance and audit software company Dimeri AI, described her selection as a major milestone.
“Being chosen from among hundreds of applicants is a proud achievement. I look forward to learning, growing strategically and professionally, and benefiting from the support and expertise of industry leaders. This opportunity will help me build a sustainable and successful business,” Memela said.
Building On Previous Success
The Project 10X Unicorn Programme builds on the success of its inaugural 2025 cohort, which helped participants improve business compliance, financial literacy, operational capacity and market readiness.
The results demonstrated how targeted business support can help emerging enterprises grow, become more competitive and contribute to local economic development.
Through continued investment in entrepreneurship, Project 10X aims to empower more small business owners to scale their operations and create meaningful economic opportunities within their communities.
