IT’S the turn of local entrepreneurs to hone their skills and learn how to present their businesses to potential funders in the best possible way at the 8th ENGEN Pitch & Polish entrepreneurial workshop and competition programme which takes place on Saturday, 14 October at the Olive Convention Centre, 81 Somtseu Road, North Beach.
Having a polished pitch is key to growing a business and this popular event is ideal for those who are looking to start a businesses as well as those who have established businesses. To date, ENGEN Pitch & Polish has helped approximately 10 000 entrepreneurs improve the way they present their business to potential funders.
The quote “failure is not an option” was popularised by the movie “Apollo 13”.
It suggests that, in order to succeed, one must avoid failure. This is not a good lesson for life; it is an even worse lesson if you choose to start and build a business. It is crucial for entrepreneurs to see failure, not as the opposite of success, but as an inevitable part of the journey towards success. It is only failure if you don’t pick yourself up again, and learn and grow from your mistakes.
The key lies in learning to accept feedback and implement changes based on the feedback. While failure may be scary, it provides the impetus that spurs entrepreneurs towards improvement and growth.
Failing often, and an acceptance of failure as an inevitable part of the process, and then rising stronger, is the premise on which the ENGEN Pitch & Polish workshop and competition programme is built.
The programme gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to fail – but not give up – as they get constructive feedback, and the opportunity to give their pitch another go. Sponsored by Engen Petroleum, in association with Nedbank, Raizcorp and local partner, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry and media partner Caxton Local Media, ENGEN Pitch & Polish is in pursuit of South African entrepreneurs, brave enough to pitch, fail, take feedback, and stand up again – all in an endeavour to perfect their business pitch, attract funding and grow their venture.
Conceived by Allon Raiz, the CEO of Raizcorp, ENGEN Pitch & Polish combines the unique elements of workshop and competition – not only do all audience participants learn, they also get to give feedback to the contestants. “Accepting the inevitable failures, that accompany the journey towards success, is a prerequisite for growing a business.
Being an entrepreneur takes courage; you can’t be afraid to fail!” explains Raiz, “Embrace it, as it could be the springboard to your success,” he said.Learn to pitch your ideaDuring the first part of the day, all delegates are taken through unique, experience-based entrepreneurial training, developed by Raizcorp.
This year’s facilitator is best-selling author, international speaker and TV talk-show host, Justin Cohen. Following Justin’s inspirational message and training, contestants will be given the opportunity to pitch their idea or business to the audience. Contestants are required to work hard to ensure they answer to the question, Would you invest in this person? is a resounding yes!
ENGEN Pitch & Polish, in collaboration with Engen Petroleum, Nedbank, Raizcorp, media partner Caxton Local Media, and local partner, the Durban Chamber of Commerce, culminates in a final event in Johannesburg where the winners of the regional rounds will compete to be crowned the ultimate pitch champion of 2017.
Register now
Interested individuals are invited to register as a delegate to attend the workshop for free. And, if you feel you have what it takes, complete the online entry form, and stand the chance to be selected as a contestant. Either way, you will learn valuable lessons, including:
· How to turn your idea into a business;
· How to connect with like-minded individuals;
· How to take your business to the next level; and most importantly …
· How to pitch your business to potential investors or bank managers.
To experience the magic of ENGEN Pitch & Polish for yourself visit www.pitchandpolish.com or SMS 43719.
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