By STAFF REPORTER
JOHANNESBURG – OFTEN overlooked by finance providers, South African small and medium enterprises (SMEs) stand a chance of securing funding, market exposure and new partnerships through the annual Eskom
Business Investment Competition (BIC) and the Small Business Expo.
The expo returns to Johannesburg from August 31– September 2 with a devotion to the development of SMEs, providing an invaluable platform for them to market their businesses and interact with prominent business leaders, corporates and procurement buyers.
Attracting thousands of visitors each year, it is hailed as the ideal platform to stimulate business growth and motivate both current and
aspiring entrepreneurs.
The Small Business Expo runs alongside #BuyaBusiness Expo and is presented in partnership with Eskom.
Through the expo, the Eskom Development Foundation supports entrepreneurship and small business development.
Eskom utilises the opportunity to announce the winners of the annual Business Investment Competition.
Substantial prizes are awarded to black-owned businesses in the manufacturing, engineering/construction, agriculture/agri-processing and services/trade sectors.
The overall winner across all four sectors of the competition stands to win R150 000 to invest in their business, while each sector winner receives business investment support of R100 000.
Runners-up and finalists also receive cash prizes.
The overall winner of the 2016 BIC, Nomcebo Sibanyoni, owner of Nomcebo Printers in Lydenburg, Mpumalanga, said her participation in the competition and expo has delivered long-term benefits for the company.
“The BIC was quite intimidating, but my participation gave me an opportunity to review my business model and strategies; and the input from the expert judges helped us to focus on long-term goals,” she said.
Eskom’s participation and the BIC innovator showcase were highlights of the Small Business Expo.
“This is in line with our overall goal to provide a platform for small
business networking and growth,” said Carol Weaving, Managing Director of
event organisers, Reed Exhibitions.
– Guardian