Firstwatch Whisky Entrepreneur's Challenge returns in 2021

Previous winner and cofounder of Precious & Pearl Brands, Mpho Mohaswa

As a brand that has family, people and the community at its heart, Firstwatch aims to recognise and reward South Africa's budding entrepreneurs. The Firstwatch Entrepreneur's Challenge is a programme designed to fast-track new businesses to success. Thus, allowing entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level and rewarding them for all the work that they put in.

Firstwatch has announced that entries for the second entrepreneurial challenge are open to truly recognise the value entrepreneurs and small business owners bring to the South African economy and their immediate communities.

The previous winner and cofounder of Precious & Pearl Brands, Mpho Mohaswa comments on the impact winning the inaugural competition in 2019, has had on her business: “Our product, Ghemere Ginger Beer, has really taken off since we won. We capitalised on much-needed media exposure, which helped expand our customer base and credibility. Having a big brand like Firstwatch behind you makes a difference.

“Our production output has improved drastically due to the equipment we could purchase with the prize money. Our product sales picked up during the pandemic as ginger – our main ingredient – is said to be highly beneficial to the immune system. We are now expanding our sales into major retail stores and large events, among other avenues.

When asked what her advice was to the 2021 Entrepreneurs challenge entrants, Mpho went on to say, “I would advise this year’s entrepreneurs to know their business, be aware that they are pitching to serious investors, and also take advantage of the incredible networking opportunities”.

The Firstwatch Entrepreneurs Challenge 2021

Entrepreneurs are encouraged to enter this year’s challenge. To enter, entrepreneurs need to buy a promotional Firstwatch Whisky 750ml or 1L bottle. They then need to enter their business or business idea using the unique code via the USSD details found on the promotional neck tag. A selection process will occur once all entries have been received where 160 candidates will be shortlisted to attend a two-day workshop in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

The selected candidates will then pitch their ideas to a panel of judges in order to earn a spot in the top 10. The top 10 candidates will then attend the finale in Johannesburg where the overall winner will be chosen.

The two-day workshop that the 160 candidates will attend will encompass robust, hands-on experiential learning with some of the country's leading business experts. At these workshops, entrepreneurs will be given the opportunity to pitch their business or business idea to a panel of judges, which will put them one step closer to being the overall winner that walks away with R50,000 in support for their existing or start-up business.

The programme’s many benefits include upskilling entrepreneurs in terms of both business and entrepreneurial skills and giving them access to valuable content that will ultimately provide them with a kickstart in getting their businesses to the next level of growth.

For more, go to https://firstwatchwhisky.co.za/.