Two new categories added to 2019 FNB Business Innovation Awards

The FNB Business Innovation Awards have been expanded to include two new categories for SMEs and township entrepreneurs.

FNB announced in a statement on Monday (29 April) that it has partnered with Johannesburg-based accelerator 10xE and the Township Entrepreneurs Alliance to introduce the SME and township entrepreneur categories, respectively.

Entries for the two categories, as well as the Endeavor global category will close on 30 June.

Winners of the 2019 FNB Business Innovation Awards will each get business development support to the value of R1-million

Commenting in the same statement, FNB Business CEO Mike Vacy-Lyle said the bank firmly believes that with adequate support from both government and the private sector, both large and small businesses have the potential to help the country achieve sustainable growth and development.

“FNB BIA celebrates entrepreneurship and recognises business owners who go the extra-mile to constantly innovate, think out of the box and reinvent themselves to remain relevant.

“Despite testing economic circumstances, these entrepreneurs continue to take risks, while remaining optimistic about growth,” added Vacy-Lyle (pictured above).

The FNB Business Innovation Awards are aimed at all businesses, regardless of size, that can demonstrate real innovation with the potential to change the way their respective industries operate.

To be considered for the awards, businesses must exhibit high growth potential and have the capacity to add substantial socio-economic impact on the South African economy.

This, partnered with job creation, outstanding business ethics, and goodwill are all among the many factors that will be reviewed by the selection panel.

Successful entries in each of the three categories will be reviewed and assessed by a selection panel before they are shortlisted as 2019 FNB BIA Finalists.

Finalists will get an opportunity to present their businesses to a final judging panel, where a winner per category will be selected.

The winning businesses will each get business development support to the value of R1-million to help them take their businesses to the next level.

Featured image: FNB Business CEO Mike Vacy-Lyle (Supplied)