Bishop Lavis entrepreneur and owner of Eclessia Enterprises, trading as Bishop Lavis Uniforms, came in second from over 1 400 entries, of which 180 came from the Western Cape. The competition was open to social enterprises trading formally for more than two years and creating a tangible impact in food security and nutrition; education and skills development; health and wellbeing; clean and affordable energy; circular economy and recycling; and digital and tech innovation.
Amanda Nkwitshi from We Care Wellness Clinic; and Cheryl-Lynn Freeman from Mzansi Business Services took the first and third places when the winners were announced at the Newlands Rugby Stadium on 17 September 2026.
Beanca says the prize money will be re-invested into her business, which will allow her to increase her product range, machinery and stock availability.
“I registered my business in 2015 after deciding to take a chance on myself after a long career in the clothing industry. When I left the formal sector, I initially got an opportunity to do outsource CMT (cut, make and trim) work for a small clothing brand. But I realized quickly that I was no longer comfortable working for someone else.”
“I remember a particular day when I was feeling down, and my husband, Nolan encouraged me to focus on doing something for myself. That morning I woke up with a purpose, and, remembering a lead I had heard about a few years ago, I took a chance by walking into Montevideo Primary School, hoping to convince them to let me make uniforms for the school. Looking back on that day, I remember, a lady from the school telling me “we’ve been waiting for someone like you for a long time. It certainly did feel like divine providence.”
Beanca says she was afforded the opportunity to make samples and to present her pricing proposals to the school and the parents during orientation.
“That initial order was what got the ball rolling and I continued the same strategy at other schools in and around Bishop Lavis. Today we supply uniforms to seven schools.”
She says although her journey has been tough, persistence and self-belief always triumphs over adversity. “I moved to Bishop Lavis as a newlywed at the age of 19 from Mitchells Plain. Unfortunately, my husband suffered a car accident which left him unable to work for several years. My job in the clothing industry was stable and I made it to management eventually which helped me sustain my family, which now includes two adult children.”
“During my time in the clothing industry, I received performance bonuses from time to time and I was able to use that money to buy two machines, which enabled me to make the uniforms for my first order at Montevideo.”
I ask her about her achievement in the competition. “I saw an announcement of a small business networking opportunity hosted by the City of Cape Town on social media. When I got there, I remember being disappointed that there were so few people from our community present. The people hosting the Iwisa stand were very engaging and helpful and explained the objectives and criteria for the competition. Luckily, I ticked all the boxes as my business was fully compliant.”
“It is a real honour to be acknowledged in this way and I intend re-investing the prize money into my business and the community by expanding our product range and also offering training opportunities for the community,”
I am curious to know if she has a recipe for success. “We all have dreams and plans, but its those of us who activates the process that has a chance to succeed. Many of our people focus on what they don’t have, and it stops them before they even begin. Rather focus on what you have and what you can work with. We all have skills or talents; we just have to persevere and be ready when opportunity knocks. In small businesses, compliance is key, and you have to make yourself visible to be considered for all opportunities.”
“Another vital component for a successful business is to have a team you can depend on to stand by your side and deliver on your promises to clients. I would not be here today without my amazing team which includes my husband and children.
For more information on Bishop Lavis Uniforms’ product offering, follow them on social media or call or Whatsapp Beanca on 0645189732
