September 27, 2011. “Tension is building as the top 10 finalists of “The Entrepreneur” competition prepare to face the judges on October 27,” said Trenley Tilbrook, CEO of the iLembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism (ICCIT).
The competition was launched by the iLembe Chamber, in partnership with African Bank and Enterprise iLembe on July 1, 2011 to try to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the region, and provide motivation for those willing to delve into this crucial sector of our economy.
In the picture: Back row (left to right), Kyle Wetherill, Lindiwe Mbonambi, Lucas Gumede, Njabulo Zondi, Vincent Makhosonke, Josh Chaplin, Shoaib Cassim and Bruce Wacher. Front row (left to right): Nicole Momogos, Celia Tabb, Nothando Sibisi, Nomvula Majola and Vicki Millican
“Since the closing date, the mentors have been hard at work,” said Tim Driman, chairman of the ICCIT mentorship panel. “More than 200 applications were received and reviewed by the mentors and 20 candidates were then selected and interviewed. The top 10 finalists were then selected and are currently being mentored ahead of the final,” said Driman.
It’s all go, go, go, as the finalists are putting everything in to try to clinch this potentially life changing prize.
“The final will take place on October 27, birthday of the late OR Tambo, in commemoration of his life-long struggle for a non-racial democracy that gives equal opportunity to all. The finalists will then be expected to present their business plan to the panel of judges – Idols style,” said Driman.
The panel of judges who will make the final decision will be made up of four successful business leaders and entrepreneurs. “Three of the judges have been secured and the names will only be released at a later date, but we do know that there will be a representative from African Bank, representative of Enterprise ilembe and a representative of the iLembe Chamber,” said Driman.
“I can’t share with you at this stage who the fourth judge will be, but can assure you that it would be well worth attending the event,” said Tilbrook.
The final event will take the form of a gala dinner where the finalists will not only have to face a panel of judges, but a live audience. Tickets will be going on sale shortly for those wishing to attend the event.
The competition is part of the ICCIT mentorship and entrepreneur programme driven by the ICCIT mentorship panel. A panel of mentors made up of retired, successful business leaders and entrepreneurs willing to share their knowledge, wisdom and experience.
“The main objective of the competition is to empower, inspire and mentor budding entrepreneurs” said Tilbrook.