SA’s entrepreneurs will once again be under the spotlight after FNB announced the opening of entries for the FNB Business Innovation Awards (BIA) supported by Endeavor South Africa (EndeavorSA).
The 4th instalment of the BIAs will take place in 2018, and businesses that can exhibit innovation and highest potential to scale are invited to submit entries. The businesses must be founder-led, demonstrate potential for high-growth, and have the ability to add substantial economic value through the creation of sustainable employment opportunities.
Successful entries will go through Endeavor SA’s rigorous selection process where the qualifying entrepreneurs will be interviewed by a seasoned selection panel before they are shortlisted as FNB Business Innovation Awards Finalists for 2018. The selection process also entails that the finalists get an opportunity to present their businesses to the judging panel.
“More than ever before, South Africa needs entrepreneurs who can help to change the country’s economic fortunes for the better,” says Mike Vacy-Lyle, CEO of FNB Business. “The BIA platform presents the perfect opportunity for entrepreneurs to obtain the support they need in order to scale and contribute to job creation and economic growth.”
The overall winner will be named FNB Business Innovator for 2018 and receive an all-expenses paid trip to attend the Endeavor International Selection Panel (ISP) in Buenos Aires in September 2018.
Craig Raw, founder of BrandsEye and the winner of the 2017 FNB Business Innovation Award, says the accolade opens up international markets and provides the exposure which is necessary to successfully for building a scalable business.
“This platform gives entrepreneurs the ability to think globally as business need not be bolted down to a local market when the view is growth focused, exposure to and how successful businesses around the world operate adds a new dynamic to local business,” he says.
* Entries will close on 30 December 2017. Apply at www.fnbbusinessinnovationawards.co.za and follow the prompts on the website.