What if some of the most exciting businesses in the Northern Suburbs were all under one roof?
This October, Bellville’s entrepreneurial spirit takes centre stage as Bellville Business Expo (BBEXPO) 2026 returns to Tyger Valley Centre for its fourth annual business expo, transforming one of the region’s busiest retail spaces into a celebration of local business, creativity and community.
More than an exhibition, BBEXPO invites the public to discover the businesses shaping Bellville, retailers from artisan food producers and fashion brands to family experiences, innovative startups and practical business solutions.
The focus is not only on networking, but also on creating meaningful connections between local entrepreneurs and the people who live, shop and work in Bellville and the Northern Suburbs.
“BBEXPO is about opening doors, giving local businesses access to opportunity while giving communities a chance to discover the incredible talent and enterprise on their own doorstep. When we support local, we strengthen the economy we all share,” says Nasmera Buckus, COO at GTP.
Hosted by the Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP) in collaboration with better. together. and the City of Cape Town (CoCT), BBEXPO 2026 is the Northern Suburbs’ only annual business event of its size, with one powerful message: Local is Better.
A retail experience with something for everyone
Across two energetic days, visitors can explore six themed BBEXPO Discovery Zones designed around the flavours and diversity of Bellville’s business community:
- Taste Bellville: local food, wine and artisan producers
- Style, Beauty & Living: fashion, floristry, wellness and lifestyle brands
- Ideas & Creativity: books, photography, design and creative enterprise
- Business Solutions: marketing, packaging and professional services
- Services & Experiences: family activities, wellbeing and lifestyle experiences
- Future & Innovation: emerging businesses, technology and new ideas
Whether you’re shopping for something unique, looking for business inspiration, or simply curious about what’s happening in your neighbourhood, BBEXPO offers an experience designed to surprise and inspire.
More than browsing, become part of the journey
Visitors are encouraged to do more than walk through the expo.
The interactive BBEXPO Business Lab sessions and the Local is Better Passport Challenge, rewards exploration by inviting guests to complete activities throughout the expo, including discovering woman-owned businesses, learning sustainable business facts, sampling products, supporting local exhibitors and voting for their favourite stand.
Completed passports stand a chance of winning many exciting expo prizes.
Live experiences throughout the event include:
- Meet the Maker business spotlights
- 60-second entrepreneur pitches
- Product demonstrations
- Spot business giveaways
- Recognition of Bellville’s top emerging businesses and mentors
Level Up Business Lab
A free programme of practical workshops and expert-led talks designed to help entrepreneurs, small business owners and aspiring retailers build real-world business skills.
Every session is open to all BBEXPO visitors, register on Quicket when you book your free ticket:
Day 1 – Sessions
- AI for Small Business: Practical AI tools to market smarter, save time and grow.
- Where’s the Money? Understanding access to finance with banks and funding partners.
- How to Sell More: Retail sales, digital marketing and customer conversion strategies.
Day 2 – Sessions
- Turn Browsers into Buyers: A hands-on session on conversion, customer experience and practical selling techniques.
- Marketing Workshop: Digital marketing strategies for small businesses.
- Branding Workshop: Brand archetypes and positioning your business for growth.
Ask the Experts
Got a business question?
Bring it to the BBEXPO experts. Visitors can access practical advice, insights and guidance from experienced professionals through an open expert advice service and panel at the expo.
The Level Up Programme
Businesses participating in the GTP’s Level Up Programme will be exhibiting at BBEXPO, giving visitors the opportunity to meet the entrepreneurs behind the businesses, discover what they offer.
As part of the programme, participants also had the opportunity to compete in the Level Up Pitch Competition, with the top businesses selected to be showcased at BBEXPO.
An opportunity for local business
For entrepreneurs and exhibitors, BBEXPO provides direct access to thousands of potential customers within one of Cape Town’s premier retail environments.
The expo creates opportunities to showcase products, generate sales, build partnerships and increase visibility among both consumers and business leaders.
FREE tickets are now available for BBEXPO on Quicket: https://qkt.io/BBEXPO2026
Event details: BBEXPO 2026
- Dates: Wednesday 28 & Thursday 29 October 2026
- Venue: Tyger Valley Centre, Bellville
- Quicket Tickets: FREE entry (registration required), https://qkt.io/BBEXPO2026.
- Hosted by: The Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP), better. together., City of Cape Town (CoCT) and Tyger Valley Centre.
Discover. Learn. Connect. Participate.
Because local is better.
