SimplyBiz®, Nedbank’s award‑winning SME enablement platform, has been named Overall Winner: Best SME Beyond Banking Service Initiative at The Digital Banker’s Global SME Banking Innovation Awards 2026, cementing its position as a globally recognised enabler of small business success beyond traditional banking.
The award recognises innovation that addresses the real challenges faced by entrepreneurs - acknowledging that while access to finance is critical, it is not enough on its own. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) also require practical knowledge, tools, coaching, networks and access to markets to start, grow and sustain their businesses.
SimplyBiz®, powered by Nedbank, was created to meet these needs. The platform provides structured, accessible and practical non‑financial support to entrepreneurs across all stages of their business journey - from ideation and startup through to early growth and established enterprises. Importantly, SimplyBiz® is open to everyone, not only Nedbank clients, reinforcing an inclusive approach to SME empowerment.
Driving innovation in SME support
In 2025 alone, SimplyBiz® delivered nearly 50 initiatives to support entrepreneurs across South Africa. These initiatives spanned practical learning programmes, deeper one‑on‑one coaching, business development support, expanded vernacular content, and strengthened partnerships.
As a result, the platform has grown to over 150 000 registered members, reflecting strong demand for holistic SME enablement that goes beyond product sales and funding.
Judges from The Digital Banker acknowledged SimplyBiz® for its innovation, scale and measurable impact, noting the platform’s ability to combine digital reach with human‑led support, ensuring entrepreneurs can access help when and how they need it.
This hybrid approach enables SimplyBiz® to deliver support that is both scalable and deeply practical, helping SMEs improve capability, funding readiness and long‑term sustainability.
‘Small businesses need more than funding to succeed’, said Monique Chinnah, Senior Manager: Beyond Banking at Nedbank. ‘they need practical learning, mentorship, market access, funding opportunities, and meaningful connections, because behind every small business is a life, a family, and a community. When we support entrepreneurs, in real ways, the impact goes beyond banking – it changes futures. SimplyBiz was built to meet those needs in a way that is inclusive, scalable and practical. This global recognition affirms that supporting entrepreneurs beyond banking is not only the right thing to do, but a powerful driver of sustainable growth.’
Beyond banking, built for entrepreneurs
The global recognition reinforces SimplyBiz® as a thought leader in Beyond Banking® innovation, showcasing how financial institutions can play a more meaningful role as enablers of enterprise, rather than purely transactional lenders
By embedding non‑financial SME support into its value proposition, Nedbank has demonstrated how purpose‑driven innovation can deliver societal impact while also strengthening long‑term trust, relevance and engagement with entrepreneurs and partners.
As SMEs continue to navigate economic uncertainty, rising costs and competitive markets, platforms like SimplyBiz® highlight the importance of accessible, practical support that empowers entrepreneurs to make better decisions and build resilient businesses.
Building momentum into 2026 and beyond
With global recognition now strengthening its credibility, SimplyBiz® will continue to expand its reach, partnerships and innovation - ensuring more entrepreneurs can access the tools, learning and networks they need to succeed.
The award marks a significant milestone, not as an endpoint, but as validation that Beyond Banking® works when it is delivered with intent, consistency and a deep understanding of SME realities.
Entrepreneurs and small business owners can explore SimplyBiz® and sign up for free at www.simplybiz.co.za.
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