Entrepreneurs in Bloemfontein can now take part in an exciting new competition and stand the chance to win their share of R75 000 in prize money.
The Mangaung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), in collaboration with the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), has become the third chamber in South Africa to present The Entrepreneur.
Cobus Oelofse, who initiated The Entrepreneur programme and competition in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) 14 years ago, explained more about the competition at the launch held in Bloemfontein on Thursday, 4 July, at the Bible House.
Ele Tshikovhi, general manager for transformation at ACSA, hopes to roll out the competition to other hubs in South Africa 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 rewards and grow the local economy.
Tshikovhi said the launch of the competition in Bloemfontein was part of a dream to grow businesses nationwide.
André van der Berg, programme leader at the MCCI, said The Entrepreneur was aimed at assisting emerging businesses to grow and flourish.
“We battle massive unemployment here in the Free State. It is time to stop waiting for jobs to be created, and rather for the business sector to take charge and see to it that small businesses grow and create new opportunities.”
The Entrepreneur is not only a competition in which the top three participants will walk away with prize money – the finalists will be part of a mentorship programme aiming to upskill them in all aspects of managing a growing business.
The steering committee will screen an select the 25 finalists.
With mentorship support being acknowledged as pivotal to the programme, a minimum of ten mentors will be sourced.
The Mangaung chamber will secure tutors who are academically qualified and capable of training, as well as delivering the sessions that form part of The Entrepreneur Programme 2024.
Nancy de Sousa, president of the MCCI, explains the programme sessions for the finalists will take place over a period of seven consecutive Saturdays.
Finalists are expected to attend these sessions, which will be held from 08:00 to 13:00.
At the end of the year, the 25 finalists will be granted the opportunity to take part in an exhibition, and the winners will be announced on 6 December.
The first prize is R30 000, the second prize is R25 000, and a third prize of R20 000 will also be awarded.
- Entries are already open and all applications must be received before 5 August.
- The business must have been in operation for at least a year – no start-ups allowed.
- The annual turnover must not be more than R6,6 million.
- The documents submitted for application should include a plan on how to expand the business, innovative aspects of the current operational procedures and plans, as well as other points in relation to improving the business.
- The application form, as well as other related forms, will be accessible on the MCCI’s website. Visit mcci.co.za or bcci.co.za
