In Business of Chicken!

Merlog Foods proudly supports the growth of start-up, micro, small, and medium enterprises through a targeted development programme focused on building sustainable local chicken production Capaci and equipment. In partnership with Merlog Foods and Dynamic Automation, qualifying entrepreneurs were invited to a “Dragons’ Den” selection event in December 2022, where winning candidates were chosen. These businesses received hands-on support to scale their operations, along with a share of R300,000 in funding—empowering local producers and strengthening long-term food security.

Merlog Foods and Dynamic Automation met with the 26 SMME finalists on Tuesday 13 December. After a tough, long day of interviews they were pleased to award every applicant a minimum of R10 000 with some receiving R15 000, some R25 000 and some also 120-layer cages – all to grow their chicken businesses. The total prize funded awarded was increased to R400 000 given the strong quality of presentations. 

Every winner was thrilled to receive the funding support (many also having been supported to train at the KZN Poultry Institute). Most were from the Outer West.