The annual Bellville Business Expo (BBEXPO), organised by the Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP), continues to serve as a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening the small, medium, and micro enterprise (SMME) ecosystem and driving inclusive economic growth across the region. This year’s event connected more than 500 businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders from across the Northern Suburbs and beyond, celebrating the innovation, resilience, and creativity driving Bellville’s local economy.
“Each year, the Bellville Business Expo grows stronger – in both scale and impact,” said Nasmera Buckus, Chief Operations Officer at the GTP. “Our goal is to create meaningful, long-term opportunities for SMMEs that go far beyond the two-day event. This year reflected the growing appetite for sustainability-led innovation among local businesses.
“Through the expo and our Bellville Connect Level Up Business Programme, we supported 32 entrepreneurs with the mentorship, visibility, and market access they need to thrive – continuing to position the Northern Suburbs as a dynamic business hub.”
A Secondary City to Business Hub Cape Town
The Greater Tygerberg Partnership is a development facilitation agency at the centre of a broad ecosystem focused on urban regeneration. It connects multiple stakeholders seeking to maximise the assets of Bellville, for the greater good of all people who live, work and play there. The agency is mandated to promote and accelerate the regeneration and upliftment of Bellville and surrounding areas, to drive its future as a prosperous, successful and attractive commercial centre for business owners, and a vibrant, inclusive, safe and modern hub for residents, students and the general public.
Its website explains that the Greater Tygerberg region is considered a key area due to its central location, the amount of employment opportunities, the existing facilities available in the area and the existing levels of infrastructure. This is why the GTP was established and continues to support SMEs in this region through activities such as
The Third BBEXPO
The 2025 BBEXPO was presented on 28 and 29 October at the Tygervalley Centre Arena. The third successful year showcased businesses across technology, finance, retail, creative industries, manufacturing, and social entrepreneurship.
Attendees connected directly with buyers, funders, and business development experts, gaining valuable insights into scaling sustainably, building brand visibility, and unlocking access to new markets.
During the event, the 2025 Bellville Connect Business Level Up Programme Winners showcased remarkable creativity, business acumen, and a commitment to sustainability:
- Sodieq Barendse – Pekkish
- Carmy Davis – Davis Clothing
- Cazri Johnson – Ncinci Ndiqala
- Shaun Cairns – Seed2harvest
- Aqeebah Taliep – Diamond Sparkle Detergent
The top three winners received mentorship and expert advisory packages focused on strategy, finance, operations, and sustainability. With the support of our partners, other prize packages included exclusive mentorship, strategic advisory sessions, business development tools, media exposure, and access to resources designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen their operations, grow their networks, and scale sustainably.
Bellville Connect Platform
Bellville Connect is your one-stop e-commerce and deals promotion platform for businesses located in Bellville that offers small businesses a chance to develop an e-commerce outlet without breaking the bank. This ground-breaking enables local businesses to connect, do business with and grow with the support of customers and clients in their local neighbourhood. Bellville Connect helps you amplify your reach and boost your business for a cost-effective fee.
Bellville Connect is designed by GTP to help small businesses be discovered, learn, get support, and connect through four key pillars: a verified business directory, a resource hub, a 24/7 AI-powered assistant, and a peer-driven community network.
Through ongoing programmes like Bellville Connect and the Level Up Business Programme, GTP continues to equip local businesses to boost the economy.
Thanks to agencies such as the GTP, SMEs can find support in their local communities and connect to customers in person. Live networking events, marketplaces and online communities help facilitate business growth because entrepreneurs are able to connect with like-minded individuals or businesses that can improve their own value offering.
Search for business chambers or groups that you can connect with in your community. These agencies are not limited to major business hubs like Durban or Johannesburg; you just need to find them. Leverage social media to discover the groups or networks that you can join.
