Entrepreneurs in Bloemfontein can now take part in an exciting new competition and stand the chance to win part of R75 000 in prize money.
Cobus Oelofse who initiated The Entrepreneur Programme and Competition 14 years ago in KwaZulu-Natal, said this competition made a huge impact on local business in the iLembe-area on the Dolphin Coast between Durban and Richards Bay.
He gave a short presentation during the third roll out of the competition – this time presented by the MCCI Chamber of Business and Industry (MCCI) in Bloemfontein at a function held at the Bible House on Thursday, 4 July.
The entrepreneur programme and competition is sponsored by the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). Under leadership of Ele Tshikovhi, general manager: transformation at Acsa, the competition that started back a decade ago, will roll out to other hubs that are serviced by Acsa. In 2023 George became the second place to host The Entrepreneur and now it is time for entrepreneurs in Mangaung and the Free State to reap the rewards and grow the local economy.
Tshikovhi said the launch of the competition in Bloemfontein, is part of a dream to grow businesses nationwide. “The next top business owner that make it onto a Forbes-list, may just be right here among us. We encourage all entrepreneurs to be part of this inspiring programme,” she urged.
André van der Berg, programme leader at the MCCI, said The Entrepreneur is aimed at assisting emerging businesses to grow and flourish.
“Things came beautifully together for us. We in the Free State battle massive unemployment It is time to stop waiting for jobs to be created, but rather for the business sector to take charge and see to it that small businesses grow and create new opportunities. Yes, we need government and government need us, but it is up to us to get the ball rolling.”
Oelofse said the competition was initially created to support local businesses in KZN. “It was so successful, that eight chambers in KZN presented the competition the last decade.”
He told a few success stories about entrepreneurs whose businesses benefitted in leaps and bounds after the competition.
The Entrepreneur is not only a competition in which the top three participants will walk away with prize money, the finalists that are chosen will be part of a mentorship programme aiming to upskill them in all walks of managing a growing business.
Experienced business owners will present seven sessions to advise and guide the entrepreneurs and mentors will be assigned to every finalist.
At the end of the year, the finalists will get the opportunity to take part in an exhibition in Mimosa Mall on 5 and 6 December.
The winners will also be announced then. The first prize is R30 000, the second prize is R25 000 and a third prize of R20 000 will also be awarded.
- How to enter: Entries are now open and will close on 5 August 2024.) The business must be operation for at least one years, no start-ups allowed.) The annual turnover must be less than R6,6 million.) Application documents include a plan on how to expand the business, innovative aspects of the current operational procedures and plans as well as other relevant aspects in relation to improving the business.
Application forms are available and can be submitted to info@mcci.co.za or on the website from 10 July: www.mcci.co.za
BloemNews is the printed media sponsor for The Entrepreneur Programme and Competition 2024.
