Applications Closed, Judging Begins

…ACTIVATIONS END ON A HIGH NOTE AS PARTNERS EMPOWER BUHLENI RESIDENTS

BUHLENI – Applications for the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Competition 2024 have closed, and the judging process, which will include visits to the businesses, has started.

The third regional roadshow was held last Friday at Buhleni Plaza, attracting the public and entrepreneurs to learn more about the competition and business support services offered by EYA partners. The partners present were the First National Bank (anchor sponsor), sponsors Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF), Old Mutual and the Eswatini Standards Authority (SWASA).

Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO) Corporate Communications Officer Zamantolo Fakudze informed the audience about SEDCO’s services and invited the public to visit their offices in Pigg’s Peak or rent out their office spaces.

“The next process will start with assessing all the applications to finalise the ones that meet the qualifying criteria and then proceed with the regional finalists to the judging process. The judging will include visits to the actual applicants’ business premises. We request the applicants to be ready for these visits by our judges,” she said.

After the judging process, the EYA will enter its Regional Competitions stage, where regional winners in various categories will be awarded. There will also be cash prizes for regional winners this year, while a single cab van will be the main prize in the national competition. For updates, stay tuned to the SEDCO social media pages. SEDCO is the implementor of the EYA competition.

FNB UNPACKS STEPS TO GET BUSINESS ACCOUNT, SUPPORT FOR GROWTH

FNB Commercial Sales Manager Dumisani Sikhosana has detailed how FNB offers services for every step of a business cycle, ensuring they are there throughout the entrepreneur’s journey.

“At FNB, we help you when you start a business. We help you register your business by providing a business account. We support your business growth with Savings Pocket for Business. You can use these savings to reinvest in company growth. Lastly, we help a business run through expert advice to help you use your funds meaningfully as you run it,” he said.

He explained that to open a business account, you must submit company documents, such as a Memorandum of Articles and Association, Certificate of Incorporation, Form J and Form C.

WHAT EYA PARTNERS SHARED:

NELISWA SIMELANE, CUSTOMER SERVICE CONSULTANT- OLD MUTUAL

“We encourage anyone to save with us. You can start saving from E250, which is our minimum. Saving is not only for people in business or employed, but anyone can save with us. You can access the money at any time you need it.”

KENNETH SHONGWE, INFORMATION OFFICER-SWASA

“SWASA helps MSMEs attain quality standards so that the products can be ready for the market and compete with others. The standards also help the product to be able to access export markets easier.”

THABSILE MABUZA-CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICER-ENPF

“The ENPF savings are good for all employees. If you have been working and have not been getting any ENPF deduction or never got it after your employment, please let us know so we can enquire about it. We have a toll-free 800 6002, where you can make enquiries or report anonymously.”

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