May the jobs be ever in their favour
The competition provides entrepreneurs with the chance to win prizes up to the value of R2-million, which includes cash prizes to the value of R350,000, as well as valuable mentorship support, networking opportunities and associated marketing and national media exposure.
Christo Botes, spokesperson for the Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year competition, says that the competition serves as a promotional tool to not only create awareness for entrepreneurship in South Africa, but also for local entrepreneurs to generate a credible reputation amongst competitors.
"Smaller business often can't compete with larger market player's marketing spend and national advertising campaigns. Not only are such competition platforms cost-effective, but if entrants are successful as finalists or winners, the awareness thereafter can have a significant effect on their business' brand and bottom line," he says
An example is the 2014 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year winners of the Judges Prize - Dudu and Leema Mofokeng, joint owners of Legaci Dry Cleaners and Laundry Services. The exposure gained from the competition has raised the profile of their company and as a result have witnessed an increase in business enquiries and requests from prospective franchisees.