Entries Open for Premier’s Entrepreneurship Recognition Awards

The Western Cape’s top job creators are called to enter the Premier’s Entrepreneurship Recognition Awards (PERA).

Premier Helen Zille and Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, today (18 July 2016) officially launched the 2016 leg of the PERA awards.

Now in its fourth year, the PERA awards seek to celebrate entrepreneurs who are contributing to job creation and growth.

The launch was hosted at AgriProtein, the winner of the Best Innovative Business category last year.

Employing over 100 people, the Philippi-based business diverts hundreds of tons of organic waste from landfill every week, using the nutrients from the waste to cultivate fly larvae, a high protein, natural animal feed.

PERA is an initiative of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and over 700 entrepreneurs have entered the awards since 2013.

Officially opening the call for entries, Premier Helen Zille said it was encouraging to see that the numbers of entrepreneurs entering the competition increased from 94 in 2013 to over 300 last year.

“Unemployment in South Africa is high and this is why the number one priority must be supporting entrepreneurs to start businesses. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, the total early-stage entrepreneurial activity rate has declined from 10.6% in 2013 to 7% in 2014. Entrepreneurs need high-level skills and access to funding. In the past four years, we have invested R8 million this initiative, which is an investment in job opportunities,” said Premier Zille.

Minister Winde the Western Cape Government had a suite of support initiatives for small businesses.

“Entrepreneurs are important job creators, they employ over 500 000 people. That is why we are committed to supporting small businesses. Since 2009, we have given over 30 000 entrepreneurs the support they need. Through a partnership with ABSA we are currently training 1000 entrepreneurs across the province in a business strategy skills course. Our Red Tape Unit also works hard to create the right environment for growth and jobs, assisting around 2000 businesses. PERA is the highlight of entrepreneurial year and we hope by showcasing these stories, we can aspire more potential entrepreneurs.”

Past winners shared their success since participating in the competition.

Lufefe Nomjaja, of Espinica Innovation, said: "I would like to send my gratitude and exhilaration to be PERA Finalists and Best Agri-processing of the year in 2015. The prize money I won made a significant development in the business as I managed to buy a bigger oven and some equipment for our new second branch in Khayelitsha Mall and managed to recruit 4 CPUT graduates and joined our team and we are now 12. Thanks to the Premier and the Western Cape Government for the PERA opportunity."

Clint Crowster, CEO of askOsca, said: "I entered the Job Creating Category and won R50 000, the latest Samsung Tablet on the market and coaching from a Financial coach!! During the process I had social media exposure and I was live on the radio, channel 786, where I had the opportunity to discuss contact Centres in general and market my business to my market - the youth and the unemployed, so that I could further create jobs.

This was the catalyst for us creating 8 more seats in our Contact Centre, winning new business from our client by expanding our office, purchasing equipment in the form of laptops, office chairs and desks. We celebrated with staff by organizing a huge spitbraai, invited their families and feasted away because everyone had a hand in the amazing achievement bestowed upon us by the Western Cape Government.

I am extremely thankful for the opportunity and remarkably impressed with the professionally run process and would not hesitate to recommend any emerging business or entrepreneur to enter the awards so that they can further enhance their business, just like we did at askOsca.com."

There are 11 categories and the winner in each category will receive R100 000. The second place and third place entrepreneurs will received R50 000 and R25 000.

The overall winner will receive R100 000 prize money to grow the business and an overseas trip to a conference or trade fair.

There will be three finalists per category; one winner will be selected per category from the three finalists, resulting in 11 winners. An overall winner will be selected from the 11 winners.

The overall winner will be judged on the ability of the business to sustain/create jobs and to increase its turnover in the medium to long term.

Emerging Business:  A business in its initial growth phase operating in the Western Cape for 12 months or longer, but not longer than 36 months;

Established Business: Operating in the Western Cape for longer than 36 months with an annual turnover of more than R10m and less than R50m;

Social Enterprise: Any revenue generating entity operating in the Western Cape for 12 months or longer, which aims to address a social challenge or need;

Innovative Student Business Idea: Student defined in a narrow sense that is any full-time student at a Western Cape tertiary institution including TVET colleges. This refers to an innovative solution (idea or concept) to a new problem or service. This category will not be taken into consideration for the overall winner;

Most Innovative Business: Operating in the Western Cape for 12 months or longer. This refers to an innovative solution or approach to an existing service or product;

Job-creating Business: Operating in the Western Cape for 36 months or longer with an annual turnover of less than R10m and an indication of the number of permanent employees appointed over the last financial year;

Emerging Rural Business: A business in its initial growth phase based in areas outside of the Cape Metropolitan area and operating in the Western Cape for 12 months or longer, but not longer than 36 months. The business should have an annual turnover of more than R500 000;

Emerging Tourism Business: A business in its initial growth phase operating in the Western Cape for 12 months or longer, but not longer than 36 months;

Emerging Agri-processing Business: A business in its initial growth phase operating in the Western Cape for 12 months or longer, but not longer than 36 months;

School Business Idea: Any high school in the Western Cape (Grade 8 to 12 learners or equivalent). This category will not be taken into consideration for the election of the overall winner. Learners could also apply independently (prize money to be paid to the applicant); and

Business with Global Reach: Operating in the Western Cape for 36 months or longer with a minimum turnover of R10m and less than R50m. The operations of this business should have a global reach.

The overall winner will be judged on the ability of the business to sustain/create jobs and to increase its turnover in the medium to long term.

To apply, you can use www.wcpremiersawards.co.za or collect forms at DEDAT, SEDA offices, The Business Place and The West Coast Business Centre.