PERA awards deadline extended due to high demand
The deadline for the Premier’s Entrepreneurship Recognition Awards (PERA) has been extended until tomorrow.
Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, said due to high demand from entrepreneurs, the deadline was extended from Monday, 5 September to Friday, 8 September at 6pm.
“I encourage entrepreneurs to enter the initiative. You are playing a valuable role in growing the economy, and we want to celebrate your hard work.”
Now in its fourth year, the PERA awards seek to celebrate entrepreneurs who are contributing to job creation and growth. Premier Helen Zille and Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, launched entries for the 2016 PERA awards in July.
PERA is an initiative of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. Over 700 entrepreneurs have entered the awards since 2013.
The initiative is being co-sponsored by Absa.
There are 11 categories and the winner in each category will receive R100 000. The second place and third place entrepreneurs will received R50 000 and R25 000.
The overall winner will receive R100 000 prize money to grow their business and an overseas trip to a conference or trade fair.
There will be 3 finalists per category; one winner will be selected per category from the 3 finalists, resulting in 11 winners. An overall winner will be selected from the 11 winners.
The overall winner will be judged on the ability of the business to sustain/create jobs and to increase its turnover in the medium to long-term.
Emerging Business: A business in its initial growth phase operating in the Western Cape for 12 months or longer, but not longer than 36 months;
Established Business: Operating in the Western Cape for longer than 36 months with an annual turnover of more than R10m and less than R50m;
Social Enterprise: Any revenue generating entity operating in the Western Cape for 12 months or longer, which aims to address a social challenge or need;
Innovative Student Business Idea: Student defined in a narrow sense that is any full time student at a Western Cape tertiary institution including TVET colleges. This refers to an innovative solution (idea or concept) to a new problem or service. This category will not be taken into consideration for the overall winner;
Most Innovative Business: Operating in the Western Cape for 12 months or longer. This refers to an innovative solution or approach to an existing service or product;
Job-creating Business: Operating in the Western Cape for 36 months or longer with an annual turnover of less than R10m and an indication of the number of permanent employees appointed over the last financial year;
Emerging Rural Business: A business in its initial growth phase based in areas outside of the Cape Metropolitan area and operating in the Western Cape for 12 months or longer, but not longer than 36 months. The business should have an annual turnover of more than R500 000;
Emerging Tourism Business: A business in its initial growth phase operating in the Western Cape for 12 months or longer, but not longer than 36 months;
Emerging Agri-Processing Business: A business in its initial growth phase operating in the Western Cape for 12 months or longer, but not longer than 36 months;
School Business Idea: Any high school in the Western Cape (Grade 8 to 12 learners or equivalent). This category will not be taken into consideration for the election of the overall winner. Learners could also apply independently (prize money to be paid to the applicant); and
Business with Global Reach: Operating in the Western Cape for 36 months or longer with a minimum turnover of R10m and less than R50m. The operations of this business should have a global reach.
The overall winner will be judged on the ability of the business to sustain/create jobs and to increase its turnover in the medium to long-term.
To apply, please go to www.wcpremiersawards.co.za or collect a form at DEDAT, SEDA offices, The Business Place or The West Coast Business Centre.
For media queries, kindly contact:
Bronwynne Jooste
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 060 970 4301
Email: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za
