BBQ Awards honour black achievers

These prestigious awards - on 25 October - seek to promote the understanding that Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) has the potential to redress inequality, boost economic growth and create a better life for all.

To date, very few businesses understand that BBBEE is an economic strategy, not a political one, and that empowerment deals are not about giving away or receiving free shares in a business, merely to meet legislative requirements. Rather, BBBEE is a tool for growth and sustainability that every South African business owner should embrace.

This year's event seeks to not just honour top performing black owned businesses and leading black entrepreneurs, but also to acknowledge companies and individuals who have embraced the spirit of transformation, good corporate governance and ethical leadership epitomising good corporate citizenship in business.

Radebe to address Awards dinner

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Jeff Radebe, is to address the Awards this year.

Radebe is expected, among other things, to address the important issue "opening up opportunities for more South Africans," particularly with regards to employment.

Selection Criteria for individuals

Ikhowe Staffing Solutions New Entrepreneur Award

This award is bestowed upon a new BBBEE business arena entrant, whose new enterprise progress over the last 18 months can demonstrate exceptional progress in the following areas:

• Must be more than 50% black owned.
  
• Demonstrate entrepreneurial skill and flair.
  
• Is achieving a minimum of break even or profit, with a turnover of less than R500 000.00 per annum.
  
• Must be a job creating entity.
  
• Proof of corporate social investment initiatives.
  
• Exhibit uniqueness, innovation as well as industry thought leadership.
  
• Demonstrate perseverance, endurance and accountability.
  
• Be a catalyst for economic development and growth through projects and enterprises.

Outstanding Woman in Business and Businessman of the Year Award

This award is bestowed upon a candidate who is a majority owner, partner, or major shareholder providing active day-to-day management for a for-profit business and will be judged in the following areas:

• The candidate must have demonstrated original entrepreneurship and leadership evidenced by diversification, creativity, and imagination in the development of new products, services and new markets.
  
• The candidate and his/her business must have been established locally for at least three (3) years.
  
• During that time, the company will have demonstrated profitable growth in sales or unit volume and the creation of new jobs.
  
• The candidate and his/her company will also have demonstrated staying power and positive response to adversity in a changing business environment.
  
• The candidate and his/her company will have demonstrated community involvement and commitment to specific community projects, including any active participation as a trade council member or industry chamber
  
• The conduct of the company must be above reproach with regard to ethics, quality, service, and the development of its human resources. It must project a positive brand image.

Nestlife Assurance Young Business Achiever Award

This award celebrates young entrepreneurs of today doing the business of tomorrow. This award is presented to the entrepreneur doing business in a new, cutting-edge arena (21st century-driven industry and sound business model a must). Only those aged 21 to 35 as of the award submission deadline are eligible for the award.

• Young, dynamic, innovative businesswoman or man
  
• Achieved excellence in the last two years in industry or commerce
  
• Shown exceptional entrepreneurial skill and flair
  
• Exhibited exceptional leadership and commitment
  
• Believe in empowerment and being a role model for the youth

Community Builder of the Year Award

This award recognises an entrepreneur who via their business, demonstrated a commitment to community development through innovation, creativity, integrity, a proven record of achievement and involvement, leadership, perseverance and endurance and will be judged on the following:

• The nominated entrepreneur must have a minimum of three years of active involvement in community building.
  
• Must show commitment to community development through the improvement of the quality of life in communities in one of the following areas: education, health, sport and recreation, environment, job creation, skills development and crime prevention.
  
• Inspire and encourage others to follow the example in community building.
  
• Demonstrate involvement in grooming and mentoring in their areas of expertise.
  
• Be an active leader in his or her community who has made a positive difference in areas such as human rights, multiculturalism and community-building.