Building a successful business is not just about having a great idea. It’s also about knowing the right people, accessing opportunities and turning connections into meaningful partnerships. That’s the driving force behind the upcoming PLUS Business Summit 2026 in Johannesburg.
Taking place on Wednesday, 14 October, at Discovery Place in Sandton, during Africa Pride Month, the summit will bring together LGBTI+ entrepreneurs, business leaders and corporate stakeholders for a day dedicated to economic empowerment, networking and business growth.
Hosted by the PLUS LGBTI+ Business Network under the theme Connect. Create. Close., the event aims to move beyond conversations about diversity and inclusion to create tangible opportunities for LGBTI+ businesses.
Organisers expect around 120 attendees, with nine speakers contributing insights on entrepreneurship, business strategy and economic opportunity.
Turning Connections Into Business Opportunities
According to PLUS Director Dean Ebden, the summit aims to help LGBTI+ entrepreneurs build relationships that can lead to real business opportunities.
“Built around the proposition ‘Connect. Create. Close’, the Summit is focused on the practical business value of bringing the right people into the same room — creating connections, developing relationships and turning conversations into opportunities for LGBTI+ businesses,” said Ebden.
The event will provide a platform for business owners and professionals to connect with potential clients, corporate buyers, collaborators and other entrepreneurs.
For PLUS, economic inclusion is about more than representation. It also means ensuring that LGBTI+ businesses have opportunities to compete, grow and participate in the wider economy.
The organisation works to bridge the gap between LGBTI+ entrepreneurs and corporate supply chains through supplier accreditation, business-to-business matchmaking, enterprise development, training and mentorship.
Leading Business Voices to Share Their Insights
The summit will feature a diverse line-up of speakers bringing experience from business, economics, hospitality and brand development.
Among the speakers are award-winning strategist and stakeholder engagement leader Kristen Landsberg, hospitality entrepreneur and Executive Chef Nontuthuko “Chef Connie” Shandu, entrepreneur and brand builder Taryn Gill, and economist and strategic adviser Xhanti Payi.
Popular master of ceremonies Lebo Molax will host the day’s proceedings.
Through their contributions, the speakers will explore business opportunities, entrepreneurship, economic trends and the importance of building networks that support inclusive growth.
Beyond Visibility: Building Economic Inclusion
Established in 2017, PLUS describes itself as Africa’s first LGBTI+ business network and chamber of commerce.
The non-profit organisation advocates for greater economic participation by LGBTI+ people and supports entrepreneurs seeking to establish, develop and expand their businesses.
Its work includes connecting accredited LGBTI+ suppliers with corporate procurement departments, facilitating networking opportunities and helping businesses access the resources and relationships they need to grow.
The summit builds on these efforts by creating a space where entrepreneurs and corporate stakeholders can engage directly.
With many entrepreneurs facing challenges in accessing established business networks and corporate opportunities, initiatives such as the PLUS Business Summit seek to make economic inclusion a practical reality.
Ultimately, the summit’s message is that LGBTI+ inclusion should extend beyond workplace policies and public commitments to diversity. It should also translate into business relationships, commercial opportunities and economic growth.
How to Attend the PLUS Business Summit 2026
The summit is open to interested business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals seeking to connect with South Africa’s LGBTI+ business community.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, 14 October 2026
Time: 09:00–15:30
Venue: Discovery Place, 1 Discovery Place, Sandhurst, Sandton, Johannesburg
Theme: Connect. Create. Close.
For attendance enquiries and further information, contact Dean Ebden at 082 371 7340 or Dean@oxygenmedia.co.za.
