With just less than a month until entries close for the 2013 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition, South African entrepreneurs are encouraged to enter in order to be recognised and rewarded for the vital role they play within the country’s economy.

Not only will entrepreneurs stand a chance at winning prizes worth a total value of R1 340 000, which includes cash prizes of R300 000, but all finalists and winners are also provided with the opportunity to expand their networks and receive invaluable exposure for their businesses.

Now in its 25th year, the free-to-enter competition is dedicated to celebrating and profiling the success of entrepreneurs from across South Africa and boosting the level of entrepreneurship in South Africa.

Nimo Naidoo, project manager of the Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition, says that entrepreneurs are faced with various challenges and that the competition aims to assist entrepreneurs overcome these.

“Obtaining a credible reputation amongst various other competitors and securing additional capital to grow a business are often two key challenges that business owners encounter on their entrepreneurial journey.

“In challenging economic conditions, competitions offer an affordable marketing platform, and by utilising these platforms, entrepreneurs can grow their business by increasing both their brand reputation and bottom line.

“As an example, Tabisa Nomnganga of Bravo Promotions, winner of the 2012 Emerging Entrepreneur Award, has accredited the competition for increasing her client base, as well as increasing her bottom line profits by over 40% from the previous financial year.”

Naidoo adds that due to the success and exposure that many of the 2012 winners encountered, they are already exceeding the number of entries received during last year’s campaign, with still a few weeks to go until the closing date. “We have already received entries from exceptional entrepreneurs with very promising businesses and look forward to responses from the remainder of the local entrepreneurial community.”

The competition is open to entrepreneurs from all industries and for businesses of any sizes. Categories for the competition include: Emerging Entrepreneur, Small Business Entrepreneur, Medium Business Entrepreneur, Innovator of the Year, Job Creator of the Year and overall Entrepreneur of the Year 2013.