The 2025 Bellville Business Expo (BBEXPO) once again proved to be a powerful engine for local business development, as entrepreneurs, small businesses, investors, and industry leaders gathered for two action-packed days on 28 and 29 October 2025 at the Tygervalley Centre Arena. Now in its third year, the expo has solidified its reputation as one of Cape Town’s most influential events for fostering collaboration, celebrating innovation, and strengthening economic resilience across the Northern Suburbs.
Organised by the Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP), the expo attracted over 500 businesses and professionals, reinforcing its role as a flagship initiative dedicated to strengthening the SMME ecosystem and empowering entrepreneurs with the tools, networks, and visibility needed to scale sustainably.
Sustainability and Innovation at the Forefront
This year’s expo highlighted sustainability-driven business models and future-focused innovation across various sectors including tech, finance, manufacturing, retail, creative industries, and social enterprise.
Attendees connected directly with funders, buyers, ecosystem partners, and business experts — gaining insights into brand development, market access strategies, and long-term sustainable growth.
The event’s success was amplified by key partners such as Tyger Valley Centre, Resilient Innovations, Petco, Polyco, Standard Bank, Vodacom, Tappd, BizMag, Print On Demand, Urban Seed PR, the Human Economy, and Get Published, all of whom contributed resources and support to elevate the experience for local SMMEs.
“Each year, the Bellville Business Expo grows stronger — in both scale and impact,” said Nasmera Buckus, Chief Operations Officer at the GTP. “Our mission is to unlock real opportunities for SMMEs that extend beyond the two-day event. This year’s focus on sustainability shows how deeply local businesses are embracing responsible and innovative ways to grow.”
Spotlight on the Bellville Connect Level Up Business Programme
Ahead of the expo, the Bellville Connect Level Up Business Programme continued to demonstrate its transformational value for entrepreneurs.
Over an eight-week hybrid training journey, participants engaged in expert-led workshops, strategic coaching, and mentorship — all culminating in a live pitch event on 21 October at the Momentum Auditorium.
Five standout entrepreneurs were honoured at the expo for their promising business models and commitment to sustainability:
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Sodieq Barendse – Pekkish
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Carmy Davis – Davis Clothing
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Cazri Johnson – Ncinci Ndiqala
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Shaun Cairns – Seed2harvest
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Aqeebah Taliep – Diamond Sparkle Detergent
The top winners received tailored mentorship, advisory support, visibility opportunities, and business development tools to strengthen operations and fuel long-term growth. Thanks to partner organisations, additional prize packages included media exposure, coaching sessions, and strategic guidance.
A Greener and More Engaging Expo Experience
The 2025 expo also introduced the Sustainable Journey, an engaging activation encouraging visitors to adopt practical eco-friendly habits.
The feature included:
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Tappd’s paperless digital contact cards
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A dedicated e-waste recycling station
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An organic waste compost challenge
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A Green Pledge Wall where attendees made photo pledges to environmental responsibility
The event hosted insightful sessions featuring leaders such as:
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Alderman James Vos (City of Cape Town)
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Warren Hewitt (CEO, GTP)
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Tanya Heimann (General Manager, Tyger Valley Centre)
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Willem Olivier (CEO, Resilient Innovations)
A major highlight was the Zero Waste, Circular Economy and Collaboration panel, featuring sustainability experts Kara Rohleder (Petco), Darius van Niekerk (Wasteplan), Tracey Gilmore (TCB), and Alison Evans (CoCT) — moderated by Damien Hewitt (Plant the Seed).
“The Bellville Business Expo is a key driver for economic growth and innovation in the Northern Suburbs,” said Alderman James Vos. “It demonstrates the strength of public-private partnerships in enabling job creation, transformation, and sustainable development.”
Looking Forward: A Connected Future for Bellville Entrepreneurs
All participating businesses will now be integrated into Bellville Connect, a digital platform built by the GTP to empower SMMEs through:
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A verified business directory
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A resource-rich learning hub
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A 24/7 AI-powered business assistant
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A collaborative peer community network
Through the Bellville Connect ecosystem and ongoing programmes like Level Up, the GTP remains committed to nurturing a thriving, inclusive, and forward-thinking business environment in Bellville and the wider Northern Suburbs.
