Calling all Innovative Entrepreneurial 2023 Matriculants!
This competition is for young aspiring entrepreneurs from the Free State and Northern Cape provinces.
Through taking part the participants will gain real-life experience in developing a business plan and pitching ideas to potential investors.
Real-life experience means problems. Learn how to problem-solve and make decisions as well as interpersonal skills and teamwork.
Scared of public speaking? We got you.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills.
Learn all of this and more during the course of the competition.
PRIZES TO BE WON!
There are categories for awarding prizes which will be announced. Prizes to the top 5 finalists are:
1st prize R 20 000
2nd prize R 15 500
3rd prize R 12 000
4th prize R 8 000
5th prize R 5 000
2022 | 2021 Competition Newsroom
Read about the experiences of finalists from the 2022 competition.
CUT: Winners of the 2nd annual Entrepreneurial Matriculant of the Year Competition walk away with full CUT bursaries and cash prizes | 08 October 2022
Read about the experiences of finalists from the 2021 competition.
- Courant: Young entrepreneurs show their mettle | 13 May 2021
- CUT: 2021 Entrepreneurial Matriculant of the Year announced at CUT | 10 May 2021
- OFM: Young designer on the road to success | 10 May 2021
- OFM: Jong Bfn-entrepreneur teiken plaasmisdaad (AFR) | 11 May 2021
- OFM: SUT bekroon jong entrepreneurs (AFR) | 10 May 2021
- CUT: CUT’s Entrepreneurial Matriculant of the Year Competition is in the final stage! | 03 May 2021
- CUT: Entrepreneurial Matriculant of the Year Competition kicks off at CUT | 16 March 2020
What were the winning ideas?
The top 5 finalists in 2021 presented these entrepreneurial projects.
| Learner | The idea |
1 | Mia Olivier | Sell school summaries to school learners. |
2 | Neo Mvambi | A wearable sanitizing bangle that you can refill/reuse. |
3 | Willie Pretorius | Leveraging artificial intelligence and taking highly advanced security products to the market. |
4 | Sebastiaan Meyer | Hunting and fishing equipment. |
5 | Chantel Chimbunde | Designs clothing for any event (men and women). |
Sounds like something you would like to do?
First, are you eligible?
Current Grade 12 learners
How does it work
Keep this criteria in mind as you put together a written proposal:
- Is there a need for this business?
- Clearly identify the target market for your idea.
- Make sure we can see your business is unique and innovative.
- Identify your key activities and resources for the value proposition.
- Demonstrate the value of the business for the customer.
- Demonstrate the operational aspects of the business idea.
- Demonstrate your drive to make the business work.
- Show your financial projections for the business. Include your important costs inherent to the business model and how you will generate enough income to be sustainable.
The submission of your idea:
- Impress the judges with your idea, the research you have done, your business sense and the potential you see for it. You will submit a 3-page written proposal.
- Submission closing date will be communicated to registered learners.
Competition procedures
- Entries can be submitted by completing the entry form below.
- All entries will be reviewed by an expert adjudication panel.
- 50 qualifying entries will be selected and provided with training to refine their business plans in preparation for the final presentation.
- Applications are accepted from individuals or groups up to a maximum of 5 participants per group.
- The closing date of the competition 30 June 2023.
The outcome of the competition will be communicated to selected entrants only. Should you not hear from us by 19 July 2023, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.
Competition is open
Uploaded: 22 May 2023
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