The Township Entrepreneurship Awards celebrate the initiative, excellence and dedication demonstrated by township entrepreneurs. The awards are an initiative of the Gauteng Department of Economic Development to recognize the Gauteng City Region townships’ economy.
In line with the Township revitalization strategy, the Township Entrepreneurship Awards align both in focus and intent to the National Development Plan for strategic employment creation objectives and they also serve to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs, to start their own businesses to assist lift township communities out of poerty.
Speaking at the event MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development Lebogang Maile, said at some point every entrepreneur faces setback, obstacles and challenges in their business, but only those who are persistence triumph over these circumstances and those are the individuals that we are looking for as they serve as an inspiration to many young people in their communities. These entrepreneurs are worthy of recognition for taking up the challenge to run their own establishments.
All finalists will participate in a fourteen-part reality television series that will see them going through a series of real and practical business experiences intended to sharpen and enhance their business skills. Winners will be announced at an awards gala dinner in March 2017.
Gauteng Enterprise Propeller, Acting CEO Ms. Leah Manenzhe said this year they were looking forward to seeing an increase in entries, as this will move businesses towards being brands that go beyond the boarders of the communities in which they operate and into the rest of the Province and Country.
Entrepreneurs play an important role in contributing to community upliftment and with the current high-levels of unemployment we looking to entrepreneurs to create products and services designed to create employment.
The 2016 categories are:
Food & Beverages, Tourism & Creative Industries, Retail & Finance, Service Manufacturing, Transport, Automotive & Components, Construction, Building & Real Estate, Social & Community (community centres, not for profit businesses), New/Start up enterprise, Entrepreneur with a Disability, Youth Entrepreneur of the Year, Woman Entrepreneur of the Year and the over winner Entrepreneur of the Year
Entry forms are available by:
Downloading an application form on the awards website www.townshipentrepreneurshipawards.co.za or
Collection from the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller offices and business hubs.
Entries open today and close at 16h00 hours on Friday 16 September 2016
