By Nyeleti Madonsela
The 2026 Durban Business Fair has come to an end at the Durban Exhibition Centre, with small business owners describing the four-day event as a valuable platform for growth, exposure and opportunity.
Bringing together more than 500 local enterprises, the fair created a space for entrepreneurs to showcase their products, connect with customers and build networks that could shape the future of their businesses.
On the final day, the mood was a mix of exhaustion and excitement, as exhibitors reflected on their experiences and the impact the event had on their ventures.
“This is my first business fair and I’m great full because I even ran out of stock,” said Lesedi Raseona, a perfume business.
For many, the biggest takeaway was visibility, a chance to put their brands in front of a wider audience and stand out in a competitive market.
Another exhibitor, Sabatha Tshutsha, said the fair helped open doors. “What I’m most thankful for is that the business fair gave me a place to showcase my work which gave me exposure with future customers.”
Beyond sales, some businesses highlighted the importance of learning and engagement, saying interactions with other entrepreneurs and customers offered new ideas and inspiration.
“I’ve connected with potential customers and at the same time there’s people who want to be trained on how to do the work I’m doing plus I was able to make some sales which gave good exposure for my business” added Lungi Sokulu.
Many business owners left with renewed motivation and a sense of progress.
While challenges remain for small businesses, events like this continue to serve as a steppingstone offering not just a marketplace, but a moment of possibility.
