Western Cape businesses have two weeks left to enter the Premier’s Entrepreneurship Recognition Awards (Pera).
The programme, which is cosponsored by Absa Bank, celebrates entrepreneurs who contribute to job creation and growth.
Western Cape Premier Helen Zille and Minister of Economic Opportunities Alan Winde launched entries for Pera 2016 in July.
“Through the efforts of our innovative and dedicated entrepreneurs, employment is created for over 500 000 people. Pera seeks to celebrate their achievements and to inspire other potential businesspeople to grow and start businesses,” says Winde.
Absa Western Cape MD Doug Walker notes that Absa recognises the vital role small, medium-sized and microenterprises (SMMEs) play in South Africa’s economy.
“SMMEs generate economic growth and job creation and we are delighted to be a partner of the Pera awards. We see the awards as an important platform to showcase and create a culture of entrepreneurship in the Western Cape,” he says.
There are 11 categories and the winner in each category will receive R100 000. The second place and third place entrepreneurs will receive R50 000 and R25 000 respectively.
An overall winner will be selected from the 11 category winners, based on the ability of their business to sustain and create jobs and to increase its turnover in the medium to long term.