702, CapeTalk Small Business Awards offer over R1m in prizes

South Africa’s 702 and CapeTalk Small Business Awards have kicked-off. Nominated small businesses from across the Western Cape and Gauteng will stand a chance to win their share of over R1-million in prizes.

The annual initiative is part of a collaboration between radio broadcasters 702 and CapeTalk and online accounting and payroll provider Sage One.

With its mission to recognise local small businesses’ achievements and provide them with the support they need to grow, Small Business Awards encourages listeners to nominate the most impressive companies recognised over the last year.

Last year, 702 awarded Book Express the regional winner. Founded in 2005, the Gauteng-based company provides new and second hand books at affordable prices to the UNISA student market.

Leather goods manufacturer Research Unit (founders pictured above) meanwhile won the CapeTalk Small Business Awards.

Ivan Epstein, the CEO of Sage AAMEA (Africa, Australia, Middle East and Asia), has high hopes for this year’s event:

“We received more than 1 800 nominations last year, showing the diversity and strength of South Africa’s small business sector. This year, we hope to receive even more. We’re looking for small businesses with a passion for excellence and achievement.”

Read more: CapeTalk, Talk Radio 702 announce Small Business Awards winners

Colleen Louw from CapeTalk adds that the Small Business Awards have profiled 420 since it first launched, giving them a unique opportunity to reach new markets.

“We want to highlight the achievements of small businesses that are creating jobs, building the economy, and delivering goods and services that enhance the lives of their customers,” adds Epstein.

As stipulated in the release, the winning small businesses will be awarded the following:

• The Winners: In each region, the two winners will receive an advertising package to the value of R250 000 on 702/CapeTalk.
• The Runner-ups: In each region, the two runner-ups will each receive a R125 000 airtime package on 702/CapeTalk.
• Sage will award the winners in both regions a laptop with free access to Sage One Accounting and Sage One Payroll software (including one year of software support) and a training course or seminar of their choice, giving them the freedom they need to run their business anywhere, anytime.

 
Finalists will be announced from the week of 10 August. For more information on the Awards, click here for 702 and here for CapeTalk.