“Entrepreneurship is the pursuit of opportunities beyond the means of the resources currently under the entrepreneur’s control,” said Mark Lamberti, CEO of Transaction Capital and the founder of Massmart Holdings, at the launch of the 2013 Sanlam/Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition.
Which is exactly what the competition celebrates: The ideas, dreams, visions and strategies of entrepreneurs who can look beyond their current means, envision a goal – and then make it happen.
Over R1 million in prize money
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the competition offers a free platform for the country’s leading entrepreneurs to share their achievements and elevate the profile of their businesses, as well as their profits.
Total prize money totals R1 340 000, which includes cash prizes to the value of R300 000. “Beyond the chance to win, previous finalists and winners’ businesses have benefitted significantly from the competition’s various networking opportunities and associated marketing and national media exposure,” says Nimo Naidoo, project manager at Sanlam/Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year®.
Tabisa Nomnganga of Bravo Promotions, one of the category winners of the 2012 competition, says that winning the Emerging Entrepreneur Award has increased her confidence as an entrepreneur as well as her client base.
“Since winning the award in September [last year], I have signed up three lucrative business deals which in total amount to over R500 000. My bottom line profits have also increased by over 40% from the previous financial year.
“In addition, I have had to increase my staff compliment and have thus created more job opportunities within my community.”
Enter today
The competition is open to entrepreneurs from all industries and for businesses of any size. The 2013 competition will also feature a series of national workshops where crucial entrepreneurial skills will be provided to attending business owners.
Entrepreneurs interested in entering can download entry forms online at www.eoy.co.za as well as interact with fellow entrepreneurs and entrants on the Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition social media platforms https://twitter.com/#!/EOY_SA and http://www.facebook.com/pages/EOY/330219423683690. The closing date for the competition is 16 June 2013.