Enter The 2024 SME TOOLKIT BUSINESS/PARTNERS Business Plan Competition for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Having successfully jump-started hundreds of young entrepreneurs over the past 15 years, the SME Toolkit BUSINESS PARTNERS Business Plan Competition for Aspiring Entrepreneurs provides the opportunity to try your hand at entrepreneurship.

Aspiring entrepreneurs of all ages are encouraged to apply and by doing so, have access to support offered through online workshop, support groups and physical workshops, all participants will be invited to attend these where geographically practical. The 2024 competition process will be facilitated via the online platforms Facebook, WhatsApp and Microsoft Teams, meaning that access to the internet access is essential.

Participants will be provided with training material on how to develop a business plan, a marketing strategy, and a cash flow forecast, and will be able to participate in online workshops and group discussions before submitting business plans.

Business plans will be assessed and adjudicated, and six finalists will be selected, winning mentorship vouchers.

The six finalists will proceed to the national adjudication and an overall national winner, and two runners-up will be announced.

Prizes include vouchers to receive mentorship assistance from leading business experts for finalists, and for the winner, a further mentorship voucher, as well as a cash prize of R50 000. Please note that in relation to the mentorship only BUSINESS PARTNERS approved mentors will be considered.

Framework

1.     The competition will be open for all aspiring entrepreneurs who have a business idea, but not sure how to start.

2.     Digital launching of the 2024 Business Plan Competition on 1 July 2024

3.     Participants must complete the entry form online on the SME Toolkit’s website.

4.     After submitting the online application, participants will receive an invitation to join the programme, and be asked to submit a registration form and a certified copy of their ID’s.

5.     Once the documents have been received, participants will be issued a registration number and invited to join the WhatsApp group for group discussions and solutions to frequently asked questions.

6.     Training material will be provided to each participant, as well as access to selected mentors to assist with questions resulting from this.

7.     Participants will be invited to attend free online workshops.

8.     Workshops will be hosted during the month of September and October 2024

9.     Business Plans must be submitted by 30 November 2024

10.   Finalists will be announced during January 2025

11.   The national winner will be announced in February 2024

Access the entry form here: https://www.smetoolkit.co.za/bpcomp 

About SME Toolkit:

The South African SME Toolkit provides how-to articles, business forms, financial tools, online training and information resources developed by leading experts. All aspects of business set-up and management are covered, from business planning to accounting, financial management, human resources, import /export, legal and insurance matters, marketing, sales, operations, and information technology.

The site also offers a range of self-assessment exercises and tools, aimed at enabling entrepreneurs to take control of problem solving in their companies, and even to proactively implement strategies to avoid potential problems.

The SME Toolkit is one way Business Partners Limited can bridge this gap, by bringing the information needed to run a successful business to the entrepreneur.

About Business Partners Limited (BUSINESS/PARTNERS):

Business Partners Limited (BUSINESS/PARTNERS) is a specialist risk finance company for formal small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa and selected African countries. The company actively supports entrepreneurial growth by providing financing, specialist sectoral knowledge and added-value services for viable small and medium businesses. Visit www.businesspartners.co.za for more information