Criteria for individuals

> Criteria for individuals

New Entrepreneur Award

This award is bestowed upon a new BBBEE business arena entrant whose new enterprise has demonstrated exceptional progress in the following areas in the past 18 months:

  • More than 50% black ownership.
  • Entrepreneurial skill and flair.
  • Profitability (achieving a minimum of break-even or profit, with a turnover of less than R500 000 per annum).
  • Job creation (must be a job creating entity).
  • Corporate social investment initiatives.
  • Uniqueness and innovation, as well as industry thought leadership.
  • Perseverance, endurance, and accountability.
  • Catalyst for economic development and growth through projects and enterprises.

Businesswoman of the Year Award

This award is bestowed upon a candidate who is a majority owner, partner, or major shareholder providing active day-to-day management for a for-profit business and will be judged in the following areas:

  • The candidate must have demonstrated original entrepreneurship and leadership evidenced by diversification, creativity, and imagination in the development of new products, services, and markets.
  • The candidate and her business must have been established locally for at least three (3) years.
  • During that time, the company will have demonstrated profitable growth in sales or unit volume and the creation of new jobs.
  • The candidate and her company will also have demonstrated staying power and a positive response to adversity in a changing business environment.
  • The candidate and her company will have demonstrated community involvement and commitment to specific community projects, including any active participation as a trade council member or industry chamber.
  • The conduct of the company must be above reproach with regard to ethics, quality, service, and the development of its human resources. It must project a positive brand image.

Young Business Achiever Award

This award celebrates the young entrepreneurs of today who are doing the business of tomorrow. This award is presented to the entrepreneur doing business in a new, cutting-edge arena (21st century-driven industry with a sound business model a must). Only those aged 21 to 35 as of the award submission deadline are eligible for the award.

  • Young, dynamic, innovative businessperson.
  • Excellent track record in the last two years in industry or commerce.
  • Exceptional entrepreneurial skill and flair.
  • Exceptional leadership and commitment.
  • Believes in empowerment and being a role model for the youth.

Community Builder of the Year Award

This award recognises an entrepreneur who, via their business, has demonstrated a commitment to community development through innovation, creativity, integrity, proven record of achievement, involvement, leadership, perseverance, and endurance, and will be judged on the following:

  • The nominated entrepreneur must have a minimum of three years of active involvement in community building.
    • Must show commitment to community development through the improvement of the quality of life in communities in one of the following areas: education; health; sport and recreation; environment; job creation; skills development; and crime prevention.
    • Inspiration and encouragement of others to follow the example in community building.
    • Demonstrated involvement in grooming and mentoring in their areas of expertise.
    • Active leadership in his or her community.
    • Positive contribution to such areas as human rights, multiculturalism, and community-building.

Businessman of the Year Award

This award is bestowed upon a candidate who is a majority owner, partner, or major shareholder providing active day-to-day management for a for-profit business, and will be judged in the following areas:

  • The candidate must have demonstrated original entrepreneurship and leadership evidenced by diversification, creativity, and imagination in the development of new products, services, and markets.
  • The candidate and his business must have been established locally for at least three (3) years.
  • During that time, the company will have demonstrated profitable growth in sales or unit volume and the creation of new jobs.
  • The candidate and his company will also have demonstrated staying power and a positive response to adversity in a changing business environment.
  • The candidate and his company will have demonstrated community involvement and commitment to specific community projects, including any active participation as a trade council member or industry chamber.
  • The conduct of the company must be above reproach with regard to ethics, quality, service, and the development of its human resources. It must project a positive brand image.