Deadline for Premier's Entrepreneurship Recognition Awards extended

The deadline for entry in the Premier’s Entrepreneurship Recognition Awards has been extended.

Business people in the Western Cape now have until 8 September 2017 to enter the awards.

Please see below for the 2017 PERA categories. All time periods refer to operations in the Western Cape:

•          Emerging Business

A business in its initial growth phase operating for 12 months or longer, but not longer than 36 months with a minimum annual turnover of R500 000;

•          Established Business

Operating for longer than 54 months with a minimum annual turnover of R5m but not more than R50m;

•          Social Enterprise

Any revenue generating entity operating for 12 months or longer, which aims to address a social challenge or need;

•          Most Innovative Business

This refers to an innovative solution or approach to an existing service or product;

•          Business with Global Reach

An enterprise in business for 54 months or longer with a minimum annual turnover of R5m, but not more than R50m. The business should prove that at least 30% of its turnover is derived from exports.

Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, encouraged entrepreneurs to enter the awards.

“Entrepreneurs drive economic growth and create jobs. Through these awards, we are seeking to celebrate their success. We also hope that by sharing positive stories, we are able to inspire more residents to start their own businesses.”

An initiative of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the awards started in 2013. This year it is sponsored by ABSA and YueDiligence.

John Tshabalala, ABSA Managing Executive Western Cape: “At Absa we recognise that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are absolutely critical for economic and social development in Africa. They contribute significantly to both GDP and employment, with a disproportionately large impact on lower-income communities. 

“Enterprise development is one of the three specific focus areas of our Shared Growth business philosophy.  In terms of this we undertake to use our core assets (financial, expertise and infrastructure) and resources to develop solutions that enable our communities to participate in the economy in a meaningful and sustainable manner.  Absa helps to catalyse the growth of start-ups, microenterprises and small businesses for entrepreneurs. 

We believe that establishing successful and sustainable SMEs requires both financial and non-financial support.  We provide this via preferential procurement, access to markets, financing and infrastructure and training.  Absa is proud to be a partner to the PERA awards and to support the Department’s focus on encouraging a culture of entrepreneurship in the Western Cape by recognising innovative entrepreneurs who have displayed excellence in various business areas.”

Tyronne Nel, from YueDiligence, said: “A big part of any businesses success is based on recognition – by your peers, your industry, your clients – being nominated as an awards finalist by PERA accomplishes all these.”

Winners will be announced in November at an awards ceremony. For more information, including detail on the criteria, kindly visit https://www.wcpremiersawards.co.za/