R2m up for grabs in entrepreneur competition

Cape Town - Just as important as government’s efforts of building an inclusive, supportive and thriving entrepreneurial eco system, is the need for society to encourage and support entrepreneurs in starting and growing businesses which positively contribute towards the country’s growth.

This is the view of Ben Bierman, managing director at Business Partners.

“We need to be creating more platforms that stimulate and support entrepreneurship. We should work to promote and celebrate the successes of entrepreneurs – those individuals who tirelessly, often without recognition, contribute to growing the local gross domestic product (GDP) and improving employment figures,” says Bierman.

Celebrating its 29th year, the Entrepreneur of the Year® competition sponsored by Sanlam and BUSINESS/PARTNERS seeks to promote entrepreneurship in SA as a viable career path. With five categories, entrepreneurs from emerging to small and medium businesses can enter.

It honours dedicated entrepreneurs who have made great strides in their businesses and whose passion for growing their businesses and communities inspires and stimulates the nation.

Prizes valued at over R2m can be won, which include cash prizes of R60 000 for each main category winner and R160 000 for the overall winner. Competition winners will also receive mentorship support, networking opportunities and national media exposure.

READ: Mentorship needed for entrepreneurial success in SA - CEO

Good career choice  

Bierman adds that as 73% of the country’s adult population sees entrepreneurship as a good career choice, industry leaders should be leveraging this to drive entrepreneurial participation in South Africa.

“If we can create more entrepreneurs as a country, we can boost the economy which then in turn has various positive knock-on effects, such as creating jobs, introducing innovation and having a larger tax pool to fund all the key government projects including educating our young people,” says Bierman.    

“Entrepreneurship can be a lonely endeavour, but also one of the most rewarding. Through the competition, we want to share the successes of these inspirational individuals who are making a difference, as well as create an environment in which entrepreneurs can engage, network and learn from each other.”

Entrepreneurs interested in entering the competition can download entry forms here.

The closing date for the competition is 31 May 2017.