Matriculant of the Year Competition

Entrepreneurial Matriculant of the Year Competition South Africa 2024

ABOUT THE COMPETITION

The Central University of Technology, partnered with Standard Bank South Africa and Central Media Group is inviting matriculants to apply for the Entrepreneurial Matriculant of the Year Competition. The competition runs on an annual basis and is open to aspiring young Entrepreneurs who reside within the Free State and Northern Cape.

Prize funds for the Entrepreneurial Matriculant of the Year competition will be allocated as such:

• 1st place: R20 000
• 2nd place: R15 000
• 3rd place : R12 000
• 4th place: R8 000
• 5th place: R5 000

The competition will allow students to improve their skills within the following avenues:

• Creating a business plan
• Decision making
• Entrepreneurial skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Pitching ideas to potential investors
• Problem solving
• Public speaking
• Teamwork

The competition hopes to act as a catalyst for change, promoting self-learning by offering students real-life experiences, inspiring them to use their skills for a brighter future.

Through the partnership of these three organisations, the Entrepreneurial Matriculant of the Year competition continues to grow and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.

COMPETITION PROCEDURE/ TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• All entries will be reviewed by an expert adjudication panel.
• Only 50 qualifying entries will be selected. These students will then engage in training to perfect their business plans in preparation for the final presentation.
• Only selected entrants will be contacted.
• The submission closing date will be communicated with registered learners.
• If you have not heard a response by 20 May 2024, consider your application unsuccessful.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COMPETITION

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

• You must be currently in Grade 12 (Matric) in 2024
• You must reside within the Free State or Northern Cape
• You must be applying as an individual OR applying as a group (no more than 5 individuals)

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE COMPETITION

Applications must be submitted online at: Entrepreneurial Matriculant of the Year Competition

To apply, students will need to submit a three-page written proposal on their business idea that includes research they have done, their business sense, and the potential they see for their business.

Be sure to also include the following details in your application:

• A brief description of the problem you identified within the market and the product/ service (i.e. solution) you will provide.
• The characteristics of two key target markets with a motivation as to why you choose them. (Please note that you will need to show a relationship between your solution and the chosen target market).
• A description of the value you are going to provide for customers and how it is unique in comparison to your competitors.
• An idea of the building and equipment you will need (i.e. capital goods), the day to day activities of your business operation, and your long term activity planning.
• Various income streams with the costs and amounts per month/ year.

Some things to consider:

• Is there a need for your business?
• Be sure to clearly indicate the target market for your idea.
• Be sure to show how your business is unique and innovative.
• Be sure to identify your key business activities and resources for the value proposition.
• Be sure to demonstrate how your business will add value to your customers.
• Be sure to showcase the operational aspects of your business idea.
• Be sure to showcase your passion and drive to make the business succeed.
• Be sure to demonstrate your financial projections for the business idea (this must include important costs that are vital to the business model and how you plan to generate a sustainable income).

CLOSING DATE FOR THE COMPETITION

12 April 2024.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

CONTACT THE COMPETITION PROVIDER

For any queries related to this programme, please contact the Central University of Technology directly:
Contact page: https://www.cut.ac.za/contact-us