This prestigious award, run jointly by Business Partners, an investor in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the financial services group Sanlam, aims to promote the creation of small businesses in South Africa and give recognition to those entrepreneurs who have achieved success. The competition is open to any small to medium-sized South African based business which is owner managed and has been in operation for a minimum of two years.
Anyone who is associated with a successful entrepreneur can nominate a candidate. This may include spouses, employees, small business agencies, attorneys, accountants, and business consultants. The entries are judged on various qualitative and quantitative criteria, including growth in turnover, owners equity, job creation, entrepreneurial flair, innovation and initiative.
The awards were introduced in 1988 to honour entrepreneurs in the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, says Mr Jo` Schwenke, Managing Director of Business Partners. "It has grown to be the most prestigious of its kind in South Africa, its main purpose being to give recognition to the innovation, perseverance and creativity of people who start and run SMEs, and have achieved success in spite of the odds.
Schwenke says that over the years the competition has brought due recognition to many entrepreneurs who had overcome what appeared to be insurmountable obstacles. "These entrepreneurs support not only their own families, but employees and their families as well, thereby making a significant contribution to socio-economic well being," he says.
Mr Theuns Botha of Sanlam`s Future Business Leaders programme says their continued involvement in the competition is to promote and develop entrepreneurship in South Africa. "Sanlam is serious about financial independence for the people of South Africa and creating wealth for all South Africans. We believe that a vibrant SME sector forms the cornerstone of any healthy economy, and that is why we are committed to promoting small business ventures," he says.
The competition is run regionally via Business Partners` offices located in the major cities and towns throughout the country. A winner is selected every month in the run up to the regional finals which will take place in August 2001. The regional judging panels will then select regional winners, who will proceed to the national finals in Johannesburg, to be hosted at a gala banquet at the prestigious Sandton Sun hotel on 18 October 2001.
Entry forms and more information may be obtained from Dave Morobe, Business Partners, 011 480 8790
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