Entrepreneur of the Year® entries now open
ROSEBANK - Entrepreneurs are urged to enter for the Business Partners and Sanlam Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.
According to Ben Bierman, chief financial officer of Business Partners Limited, who spoke at the launch of the 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year® in Rosebank, the contributions from local entrepreneurs to the South African economy is generally underestimated.
“Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) contribute close to 50 percent of South Africa’s gross domestic product and generate more than 60 percent of new jobs in the economy,” Bierman said.
“South Africa needs to proactively address this fear of failure by creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem that provides support and business finance and celebrates entrepreneurs’ hard work and achievements. They need to understand that planes do not take off with the wind but rather against the wind.”
Now in its 28th year, the competition which is sponsored by Sanlam and Business Partners Limited, pays homage to courageous South African entrepreneurs who dedicate themselves to their business’ driving growth, creating much-needed jobs and contributing towards economic development in the country.
“When SMEs are established and grow, new employment opportunities are created, staff is trained and skills are developed, company profits increase and, ultimately, the economy flourishes as a result, ”added Bierman.
He explained that the judges of the competition are looking for entrepreneurs that have succeeded against the odds, either by carving out a niche market for the product or service offering or by succeeding in a very competitive environment. “Perseverance and endurance, innovation and agility are some of the qualities we look for in the entrepreneur,” Bierman added.
Keynote speaker and entrepreneur, Ndada Ntsele, emphasised the need for young entrepreneurship. Ntsele explained that the only way for this to be achieved is by the media playing a big role in showcasing the heroes of entrepreneurship and their journeys.
“This must be done by showing our local people who have made it, keeping in mind that the youth should do their own research and allow themselves to be inspired,” explained Ntsele.
The competition is a platform to reward and acknowledge these entrepreneurs’ hard work. Prizes valued at R2 million can be won, which includes cash prizes of R425 000. Competition winners will also receive mentorship support, networking opportunities and national media exposure.
Entrepreneurs interested in entering the competition can download entry forms from the website.
The closing date for the competition is 16 June.
Details: www.eoy.co.za
