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Please note: Visit the organisation’s website for more information.
Call for applications
*** PROPOSALS ***
TIA’s applications for further Research and Development (R&D) activities (Essential oils value chain)
The Technology Innovation Agency invites experienced individuals who are beyond the proof of concept stage for applications along any part of the essential oils value-chain that can positively impact on smallholder producers (primary production, extraction and processing) to submit applications for further Research and Development (R&D) activities. More info here
W&RSETA Discretionary Grants (Wholesale, retail)
W&RSETA levy-paying small, medium and large companies that submitted Annexure II documents by 31 May 2020 are invited to apply for Discretionary Grants for the 2020/2021 financial year. Applications must be made online by 17 July 2020. More info here
Harambeans (All)
As an Harambean, you’re able to apply for the Harambeans Prosperity Initiative which allocates $1,000,000 to provide low interest loans and equity investments to ventures. Apply here
Ad Crashers’ campaign (All)
The campaign aims to develop 10 big advertising campaigns for 10 small businesses. Each campaign will include exposure across radio, Out-Of-Home (OOH) and digital media.
67 Logos Designathon (Small business)
67 Logos, a CWDi initiative, invites you to apply to become one of 67 small businesses to get a free business logo designed for you by Mandela Day 18 July 2020.
How it works: You can apply as a designer offering your skills or apply as a small business looking for a professional logo. Designers are matched with businesses, based on their profiles, passions and experience. The closing date is 10 July 2020.
*** COMPETITIONS ***
Business Ignite by Nedbank (For businesses generating an annual turnover of up to R30 million)
Business Ignite by Nedbank in collaboration with Radio 702 gives five businesses each a chance to win a package valued at R260,000 which includes a cash injection, a spot in an incubation programme with a business growth expert and promotional airtime on 702 and CapeTalk.
Entrepreneurship World Cup (All)
Get a chance to pitch on a global stage to win a share of US$1 million in cash prizes plus additional investment opportunities and another US$75 million of in-kind support.
The Entrepreneurship World Cup platform offers all contestants who complete their applications access to a wider range of ‘perks’ than last year, with online resources available to an unlimited number of people, provided by partners such as Google Cloud, Hubspot, Stripe and more, up to an estimated non-cash value of US$25,000.
Global finals are to take place in October. Sign up to enter
SLINGSHOT 2020 – Startup Competition (Startups)
SLINGSHOT 2020 is calling for entries where the top 100 global startups chosen will pitch to a global audience at SLINGSHOT 2020’s virtual finals in November and compete for cash grant prizes worth up to S$800,000. More info here
The New Generation: Social & Digital Media Awards (Media, digital)
Creative agencies, corporates, government bodies, individuals and students can apply to get recognition for their work in social and digital media, as well their use of online media, tools and work in campaigns. More info here
Online Seedstars World Competition 2020/21 (Startups)
Apply to be part of the Online Seedstars World Competition 2020/21 and stand a chance to get training on how to be investment-ready. The global winner will get USD 500,000 in equity investment.
The selection criteria is:
- You already have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and initial traction.
- Your startup received less than USD 1,000,000 in funding.
- You must have operations or be incorporated in the country/city you are applying.
The AWIEF Awards (Women)
The AWIEF Awards recognise and celebrate women entrepreneurs and business owners in Africa.
You may either self-nominate, or nominate someone else for an AWIEF Award, in any of the following categories:
– Young Entrepreneur Award
– Creative Industry Award
– Tech Entrepreneur Award
– Agri Entrepreneur Award
– Energy Entrepreneur Award
– Social Entrepreneur Award
– Empowerment Entrepreneur Award
– Lifetime Achievement Award
The entry deadline is 20 July 2020.
MTN App of the Year Awards (Tech)
The MTN App of the Year Awards celebrates local talent and out-of-the-box thinkers that drive disruption and change. The competition page does not yet reveal what the prizes are, but promises that all entrants, finalists and winners will gain massive media exposure and publicity.
The submission deadline is 29 September 2020. Apply here
BPI Challenge (Startups)
The BPI challenge aims to develop startups in Africa that are looking to expand into European markets and need financing to facilitate such expansion.
The challenge winner will get different benefits including:
BPI will offer their support to get in touch with investors in France, Europe and Africa through warm introductions. Apply here
AfriFrance/KLM Challenge (Startups)
The AfriFrance/KLM challenge seeks startups and projects that specialise in water analysis and/or purification. Three finalists will get selected for the Air France KLM Group challenge and will represent their businesses at the AfricArena Summit in Cape Town, South Africa. Flights and accommodations covered for the three finalists. Apply here
*** HACKATHONS ***
COVID-19 Water and Sanitation Hackathon (All)
The COVID-19 Water and Sanitation Hackathon is a 48-hour hackathon hosted online on 10 and 11 July to find digital and technology solutions to water and sanitation problems in a time of COVID-19.
GirlCodeHack (University students, young women)
GirlCodeHack is an annual event hosted on the first weekend of August, in commemoration of Women’s Month. The objective of the hackathon is to provide girls and young women, who eager to join to the software industry an opportunity to develop some of the real-world skills they need to enter the business environment. All hacks will be judged by industry leaders to determine the winners. Sign up here
***ACCELERATORS***
Fem-In-Tech Development Programme (Women in tech)
The Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), in collaboration with the SA Innovation Summit, brings you Fem-In-Tech, a female-focused entrepreneurship development programme for South African women.
At the end of the programme, the women will be equipped with the skills to pitch their business case to potential investors on the Demo Day, and a select group will be matched to potential business supporters and funders through the Match and Invest Platform.
Applications close 10 July 2020.
#PropertyPointWomen Enterprise Development Programme (Women in property)
Property Point is looking for 15 women-lead businesses within the property sector to be part of our award winning enterprise and supplier development programme. The programme gives preference to businesses who incorporate green building and sustainability practices. The criteria includes that your business must be 51% black-owned. Get more info
Bridges for Enterprise (Social enterprises)
A six to 12-month incubation programme for selected social enterprise startups. The programme is free of charge and gives you exclusive access to BfE’s advisory services. They’re looking for social enterprises that:
– have already begun operations and
– are seeking to expand or modify their business model.
Cartier Women’s Initiative (Women)
Cartier Women’s Initiative is an annual international entrepreneurship programme that aims to drive change by empowering women impact entrepreneurs. The applications deadline is 31 July 2020. Get more info
VC4A Mentorship Support (All)
VC4A offers mentorship support for entrepreneurs with a registered Venture profile on its platform. Sign up here
Online Resource
The following post is paid for by Visa.
Visa Small Business Hub (All)
Visa launched the Visa Small Business Hub, a merchant platform providing tools and information on how to start, run and grow small businesses.
Learn about:
– Types of payments you can accept
– Funding for your business
– Marketing your business
– Managing your online reputation
– Selling online and in person
– Social media strategies
Visit Visa Small Business Hub
*** PREVIOUS ISSUES ***
– Business Opportunities Monthly – June 2020