Mpumalanga, 13 January 2023: Small businesses play a pivotal role in helping communities to thrive while creating jobs for locals. For this reason, the Hollywood Foundation, through its Enterprise and Supplier Development Programme, is proud to announce the first ever Bambelela Business Awards. These Awards have been created to recognise local heroes and heroines who are making a positive impact, whilst also providing them with support in their entrepreneurial journey.
The Bambelela Business Awards through its slogan “Bambelela (Hold On) – Your dreams are valid”, aim to shine a spotlight on some of the great achievements made by entrepreneurs in the province of Mpumalanga. To showcase their work, small businesses will be given an opportunity to take part in the SMME exhibition and seminar, where a panel of judges will select businesses who will receive awards and a share of R750 000 of funding from the Hollywood Foundation.
The Hollywood Foundation is aware of the fact that this has been a challenging time for businesses of all shapes and sizes throughout South Africa and around the world, due to the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, however, there are still reasons for celebration. As an organisation that cares for the needs of the communities it serves, the Hollywood Foundation endeavours to recognise those businesses that are doing incredible and innovative things in their respective industries.
“We are committed to developing and growing the region’s local SMMEs, and the growth of our suppliers means the growth of our economy. We need to start unlocking opportunities that will propel them to success, we can only do great things if we hold each other’s hand. The aim of this initiative is to collectively capacitate, expose and equip SMMEs with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed. The launch of these Awards will afford local entrepreneurs an opportunity to receive business coaching as well as financial assistance. We also aim to use these Awards to encourage them to hold onto their dreams, as they are valid,” said Babongile Mkhize, Group Transformation Manager for Hollywood Foundation.
Entries for the Bambelela Business Awards opened today on the 13th January 2023. Qualifying companies are urged to submit their online entry by filling in the Bambelela Business Awards Application Form by the 10th February 2023, at 23:59. More information on the Bambelela Business Awards and rules can be obtained on the website.
The awards will be given solely on merit and are presented to commend those most deserving for their ingenuity and hard work.