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COUNTDOWN TO ENTER THE 2014 ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR COMPETITION BEGINS

With just less than a month until entries close for the 2014 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition, South African entrepreneurs are encouraged to enter in order to be recognised and rewarded for the vital role they play within the country’s economy.

Now in its 26th year, the free-to-enter competition has become South Africa’s pre-eminent entrepreneurial platform, which embraces local entrepreneurship by offering an opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase their achievements and elevate their profile, as well as their profits.
The competition provides entrepreneurs with the chance to win prizes worth R1 340 000, which includes cash prizes to the value of R350 000, as well as valuable mentorship support, networking opportunities and associated marketing and national media exposure.

Christo Botes, spokesperson of the Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition, says that the competition not only offers businesses with an affordable marketing platform that can increase with brand awareness, but also a valuable networking that can prove valuable for expanding a business’ competitive advantage in terms of new ideas and new business leads.

An example of such success is the overall 2013 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition winner, Tommy Makhatho, owner of BiBi Cash & Carry, who says his participation in the competition and being recognised for his business’ achievements has inspired him to grow his business even further.

“As entrepreneurs we seldom take time out to recognise and pay tribute to our accomplishments. Winning the 2013 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition has given me the opportunity to expand my business’ footprint and inspire others, while equipping me the courage and strength to pursue another 25 years.”

Makhatho adds that this platform not only gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to compete with their fellow tradesmen, but also allows them to learn from their mistakes and celebrate their achievements. “Although many of us compete in the same industries, in order for us to truly inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, it is required of us – as the heroes and heroines of the economy – to share and celebrate our success stories.”

Botes says that as a result of the prominence of the competition increasing due to the growing success stories of past winners, they have noticed a spike in entries compared to last year’s campaign. “The increasing number of entrepreneurs choosing to enter the competition is extremely encouraging, and with just under a month to go before the entries close date, we are hoping to receive even more promising business entries.” 

The competition is open to entrepreneurs from all industries and for businesses of any sizes. Categories for the competition include: Emerging Entrepreneur, Small Business Entrepreneur, Medium Business Entrepreneur, Innovator of the Year, Job Creator of the Year and overall Entrepreneur of the Year 2014.

Entrepreneurs interested in entering the competition 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 2014.