Nominations have opened for the Western Cape Premier’s Entrepreneurship Recognition Awards (PERA), giving entrepreneurs the opportunity to access a prize pool amounting to ZAR1.88 million (US$150,000) spread across 12 awards categories.
Entries for the awards close on September 14, with winners to be announced at an event to be held in November. This is the third edition of PERA, which recognises the achievements and potential of some of the province’s most exciting entrepreneurs.
“By acknowledging and showcasing successful entrepreneurs, this awards programme is helping to build a culture of entrepreneurship in the Western Cape – and in turn, support the creation of jobs and opportunities by small and medium business,” the organisers said.
Previous winners may not enter their businesses again, though they may enter a new or different business. Government employees are also not permitted to enter the PERA competition.
The awards are divided up into 12 categories: Emerging Business, Established Business, Social Enterprise, Green Business, Innovative Student Business Idea, Most Innovative Business, Job-Creating Business, Emerging Regional Business, Emerging Tourism Business, Emerging Agro-Processing Business, School Business Idea, and Business with Global Reach.
The overall winner will receive prize money, an overseas trip and an engraved trophy, with the 12 winners receiving prize money and an engraved plaque.
