Regional competition for SMEs

IN line with Nepad’s drive to support and profile the role that small and medium-sized enterprises play in promoting economic growth and job creation in Africa, Africagrowth Research in partnership with African governments and other development institutions will be organising the 2007 Africa SME Annual Conference and Awards Ceremony.

Organisers said the conference and awards ceremony will be aimed at presenting latest trends in SME development on the African continent and will also involve recognising and presenting awards to successful SMEs in their particular business sectors or trades. The main aim of the awards ceremony is to support and showcase Africa’s finest and most entrepreneurial achievements in the SMEs sector.Africagrowth Research President Professor Nicholas Biekpe said unfortunately stories about Africa were normally negative, so this event was a chance to support, celebrate and honour innovative small businesses, and showcase the business talent the continent has to offer.Businesses from all sectors, with a turnover ranging between N$40 000 and N$10 million, may compete for these awards.There will be extensive media coverage and business exposure as well as prize money of R15 000, R20 000 and R25 000 for third, second and first place and R30 000 for the overall winner.Winners of each category will be announced at a gala dinner on the evening of October 25 at the Crown Reef Convention Centre, Gold Reef City Hotel, Ormonde, Johannesburg, South Africa.Those who feel their businesses qualify are encouraged to enter the competition through contacting Dina Potgieter at dina@africagrowth.com or tel.+27 (0)21 946 1791 or visit website: www.africagrowth.com for more information.The main aim of the awards ceremony is to support and showcase Africa’s finest and most entrepreneurial achievements in the SMEs sector.Africagrowth Research President Professor Nicholas Biekpe said unfortunately stories about Africa were normally negative, so this event was a chance to support, celebrate and honour innovative small businesses, and showcase the business talent the continent has to offer.Businesses from all sectors, with a turnover ranging between N$40 000 and N$10 million, may compete for these awards.There will be extensive media coverage and business exposure as well as prize money of R15 000, R20 000 and R25 000 for third, second and first place and R30 000 for the overall winner.Winners of each category will be announced at a gala dinner on the evening of October 25 at the Crown Reef Convention Centre, Gold Reef City Hotel, Ormonde, Johannesburg, South Africa.Those who feel their businesses qualify are encouraged to enter the competition through contacting Dina Potgieter at dina@africagrowth.com or tel.+27 (0)21 946 1791 or visit website: www.africagrowth.com for more information.