Do you have what it takes to be selected as this year’s AHi Small-scale Farmer of the Year? Yes? Then why haven’t you entered for the prestigious AHi awards presented by one of South Africa’s oldest entrepreneur networks?
The AHi (formerly the Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut) is now awaiting entries for this year’s awards, but you’ve got to hurry to complete the quick, online entry form. Entries close on Wednesday, 27 October.
Where the focus previously was on exceptional business chambers, the AHi decided to also recognise the economic contribution of a host of sectors who kept Mzansi going in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The AHi Western Cape’s president, Dr Willie Cilliers, says no less than five awards will be presented during a virtual prize-giving function on Friday, 5 November.
Before the winners’ announcement a shortlist of three finalists each will be announced in the categories for Business Chamber of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Beginner Entrepreneur of the Year, Small-scale Farmer of the Year as well as the most innovative hospitality business of the year.
Cilliers says, “With this year’s AHi awards, we want to honour entrepreneurs and business chambers who, despite the pandemic and all its challenges, have found innovative ways to reach their clients or members. The AHi awards are often the greatest recognition such small business owners receive.”
ENTER NOW: Click here to enter the 2021 AHi Awards
The AHi’s announcement follows Statistics South Africa’s recent finding that nine out of every ten small businesses in the country now make significantly less money. Just over a third of the businesses also had to lay off staff due to financial pressure.
Thriving despite challenges
“During the coronavirus pandemic, the AHi saw entrepreneurs go out of their way to tackle everyday challenges with innovative ideas. So, this year we want to reward outstanding entrepreneurs and businesses that have performed despite all the challenges,” says Cilliers.
He adds that the AHi has great admiration and appreciation for the economic contribution that the agricultural sector continues to make in South Africa.
While there are many other awards for commercial-scale farmers, very few acknowledge the role small-scale farmers continue to make towards food security, job creation and the economy.
Although the business chamber competition category is for AHi members only, membership is not mandatory for the other categories. Click here to enter for the 2021 AHi awards. If you want to attend the AHi’s virtual annual general meeting during which the awards will be presented, simply click here.
For inquiries, send an email to info@ahiwc.co.za or WhatsApp 079 592 5945.
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