Several different takes on entrepreneurship competitions are open to young South Africans during this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Week.
The Siyabhabha Trust is a network of faith-based organizations operating in South Africa, Botswana and Swaziland. They have designed a competition in line with their fundamental belief that the most marginalized citizens should design and manage their own development programs based on their unique gifts and resources. 'My Passion My Business' is an Entrepreneurship Essay Competition aiming to inspire the students of Holy Trinity High School in Attridgville, South Africa. The students taking part have been encouraged to think creatively about how their talents could be used to establish successful enterprises. On the 16th of November, well known hat designer and entrepreneur Till Thembi will share how she was able to translate her passion into a successful business with the students and present the winner with their prize.
The Youth Entrepreneur Business Plan Competition, sponsored by IFC, IBM and Business Partners Ltd, is aimed at aspiring young entrepreneurs ready to take the next step and set up their first business. Last year IFC dedicated more than $400 million in Africa to projects that strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises. According to Saleem Karimjee, IFC’s South Africa Country Manager: “This competition aims to support talented young South Africans. Along with our partners, IFC would like to see all applicants realize their business goals.” Candidates across South Africa submitted new business ideas and those that made the short list were invited to a workshop designed to help them refine their business plan. Up to three winners will be announced at a Gala Awards event in Johannesburg on November 16 and prizes will include a 10,000 rand Business Partners’ mentorship voucher, lap tops and other items yet to be confirmed.
Last but not least, Endeavor South Africa are again hosting “The State of Entrepreneurship” summit during Global Entrepreneurship Week. In a similar format to last year’s conference, leaders in the fields of education, government and business will assess South Africa’s current entrepreneurial landscape. In a country where 80% of people state their city or region is a good place to start a new business (2009 Gallop poll), this summit will provide the opportunity to highlight progress and success stories, whilst also addressing the major obstacles affecting South Africa’s entrepreneurs. Key speakers will include successful businessmen Adrian Gore, CEO of Discovery Holdings and Paul Harris, Non Executive Director of RMB Holdings along with Bronwyn Nielsen, senior anchor of CNBC Africa. The debate will be captured in a White Paper that will cover key issues and propose innovative solutions to create dynamic entrepreneurial environments in South Africa. This event will be taking place on November 17 at the Mount Nelson hotel in Cape Town.