When conditions are easy, many businesses flourish. However, the top innovators and the best operators show their true ability during difficult economic circumstances. The Standard Bank Business Awards will be recognising these exceptional, growing businesses by celebrating their strength, vision, and resilience, especially in today’s challenging economic environment.

Business candidates will be recognised across three classifications and can win in any or all of the categories. All entries can be completed online, after which successful candidates will be asked to complete further information.

Entries for the 2021 Standard Bank Business Awards are now being accepted. To enter, simply submit your application online here.

Businesses can apply for the following three categories:

1. Business of the year
2. Best Female
3. Rising Star

The prize breakdown is as follows:

• First: R2 million
• Second: R1 million
• Third: R500 000
• Best Female: R500 000
• Rising Star: R500 000

Entries are free and open to all service, commercial or industrial companies that manufacture or sell a product or service.

To be eligible for the awards, businesses must:

- Have only one representative entered on behalf of the company

- Have been operating for a minimum of 3 years with provable revenue history*

- Be profitability run

- Demonstrate intent to scale

- Be registered

- Be based in and operate primarily in South Africa

- Be headquartered in an African country

- Be entered via an applicant who: is the director of the business; has traceable/provable South African nationality (has/has had African citizenship  and/or a parent or grandparent   who has South African citizenship)

*Except Rising Star Award.

Companies that are not eligible to enter the awards are:

- Members or affiliated members of a listed group on a national or international stock exchange

- A government or semi-government enterprise

- An enterprise in whom government is a stakeholder

Yolanda Maartens spoke to Linda Swart at Group Innovation, Standard Bank Group. Listen to the podcast below: