Eskom Development Foundation’s acting CEO, Cecil Ramonotsi

By MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESBURG  – THE Eskom Development Foundation has urged black-owned up-and-coming businesses to enter the Eskom Business Investment Competition (BIC).
Entries have been opened until July 18.
Enterprises that have been operating for more than two years qualify.
A total of R1,3 million worth of prizes up for grabs across in the competition.
All BIC finalists also get an opportunity to exhibit at the annual Small Business Expo (SBE) and the #BuyaBusiness Expo held from August 31 to September 2 at the TicketPro Dome in Johannesburg.
SBE is exclusively dedicated to the development and growth of small and medium enterprises by giving them an opportunity to market themselves and interact with some 7 000 corporates, potential investors and customers.
Nomcebo Printers from Lydenburg, Mpumalanga was the overall winner of the BIC in 2016.
“I encourage all small businesses that qualify to enter and not doubt themselves as they could be pleasantly surprised like I was,” said Sibanyoni.
Initiated in 2008, the BIC is Eskom’s initiative aimed at recognising and rewarding small businesses that are contributing to skills development, job creation and economic growth. The
competition is open to enterprises operating in the manufacturing, engineering/construction, trade/services, agricultural and agri-processing sectors across all provinces.
The Eskom Development Foundation’s acting CEO, Cecil Ramonotsi, said small business owners should not miss out on this opportunity to grow their businesses.
“Eskom is giving small businesses a chance to boost their operations through this competition and I would encourage them to enter as soon as possible to avoid last minute disappointments,” said Ramonotsi.
– Guardian