By: Nthekeleng Moahloli

MASERU – Small businesses in Lesotho are getting a new opportunity to grow through the BAM Group Foundation (BGF) 2026 Business Competition, an initiative aimed at supporting emerging entrepreneurs with funding, training, and mentorship.

The competition, held under the theme “Small Business, Big Visions,” offers a M5000 loan to winners and targets entrepreneurs from across Maseru where finalists were identified from communities such as Lithoteng, Lithabaneng, and Qoaling. It focuses on strengthening local businesses and creating jobs.

BGF President, Mamashiya Ntšepeng Tšita Tikiso, said the programme is designed to support innovation and promote locally made products while helping businesses become sustainable.

“We want to see small businesses grow into strong companies that can support communities and create employment,” she said.

The competition attracted entrepreneurs from different sectors, including manufacturing, education, agriculture, and beauty. Finalists included Likharebe Products, Hloaele’s Bales, Tšepo Production, Didi’s Black Beauty Hub, Likhoho tsa Nama (Lefikeng), MBS Tutoring, NT Holdings, Likhoho tsa Nama (Lithabaneng), and Maki Herbal Products.

From these, five winners were selected: Likharebe Products, Hloaele’s Bales, Tšepo Production, Likhoho tsa Nama (Lefikeng), and Didi’s Black Beauty Hub.

Tikiso explained that choosing winners was not easy because many businesses showed strong ideas and potential. She added that the public was also involved through voting, after watching BAM TV promotional videos of the businesses.

A platform where participants pitched their businesses.

On the day of the final pitches, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and nervous energy as entrepreneurs stepped forward to present their ideas. Each participant had a chance to explain their business, how it operates, and how the funding would help them grow.

Some spoke about expanding production, others about improving services or reaching new customers. Judges focused on how clear the business idea was, how it solves problems in the community, and how sustainable it is.

This pitching stage was not only about winning, but also about learning. Many entrepreneurs gained confidence, improved their presentation skills, and received feedback to strengthen their businesses.

Winners will receive a M5000 loan, access to incubation programmes, business learning materials such as Twin Talk books, and certificates. Tikiso said this support is meant to go beyond money and help businesses grow in the long term.

One of the winners, Limpho Ntšoane Kaeane, founder of Didi’s Black Beauty Hub, said the support will help her improve and expand her business.

“I am a small business owner, and this M5000 loan will help me grow and sustain my business,” she said.

Kaeane added that she is looking forward to the incubation training, especially to improve her bookkeeping skills.

“I struggle with managing my finances, so I want to learn how to keep proper records and run my business better,” she said.

Another winner, Mpine Kekana, co-founder of Tšepo Production, which produces ginger drinks and natural juices, said the funding will help stabilise their business.

She explained that mixing personal and business finances has been a major challenge.

“We hope the training will teach us how to manage money properly and grow the business,” she said.