Limpopo Business Awards To Recognise SMMEs Transforming The Province’s Economy
All roads will lead to Limpopo on April 2, 2025, where the province will receive the dynamic small, micro and medium-sized enterprise (SMME) sector of the province.
This prestigious activity is a collaboration between the Limpopo Provincial Government (LPG) and the Standard Bank of South Africa (SBSA). It aims to celebrate the SMME that is driving innovation, creating jobs and enhancing communities across the province. It will draw attention to those businesses that show resilience, lifespan and commitment to sustainable growth, celebrating excellence across key economic sectors.
The award will prioritize industries that have made significant contributions to the region’s economy, spanning the following sectors in 10 categories:
- Primary sector focusing on raw materials:
- agriculture,
- Mining and quarry
- Secondary department focuses on finished products:
- manufacturing,
- Agricultural processing,
- Energy Utilities)
- The third department focuses on services:
- Travel and hospitality,
- put up,
- Transportation and logistics
- The Quaternary Department focuses on knowledge services:
- Education and training,
- Health and wellness.
By commemorating outstanding businesses in these categories, these awards are designed to showcase industry leaders, promote economic development, and also inspire future entrepreneurs of Limpopo. They celebrate entrepreneurs and businesses that lead by example.
Limpopo’s economic value is approximately R500.9 billion, and remains a key factor in South Africa’s overall gross domestic product (GDP). The province is driven primarily by the mining industry (25%), personal services (24%) and the financial sector (14%), and the labour force surveys its fair share of economic challenges, including an unemployment rate of 26.1, according to South Africa’s statistics on the first quarter of 2024 labour force surveys its fair share of economic challenges, including a 26.1 unemployment rate %, while the expansion rate is 41.7% (South Africa Statistics, 2024).
In view of this, SMMES plays a key role in creating jobs and expanding the province’s economy. Not only do they provide jobs for a large portion of the workforce, they also help reduce dependence on the dominant industry, thereby promoting innovation and resilience.
In addition to recognition and prizes, all finalists will receive exclusive access to Standard Bank Enterprise and Vendor Development (ESD) solutions designed to help them expand their business sustainably. Winners in each category will receive cash injections to support their business, while all finalists will be recognized for their achievements and valuable exposure. They will also gain growth opportunities and attend masterclasses designed to help them expand their business.
“As Limpopo Provincial Government, we recognize how local businesses continue to be the backbone of South African economy, drive innovation, create jobs and shape a prosperous future for our province. The Limpopo Business Award celebrates visionary people turning challenges into opportunities and ideas success ,” said Gavin Pratt, head of the Limpopo Finance Department.
“Our commitment to SMMES goes far beyond finance. Through our in-depth industry knowledge and expert relationship management, Standard Bank provides relevant and targeted products and solutions to help businesses get started, manage and grow their businesses,” said SMMES. Hlatshwayo, head of commercial and commercial banking at Standard Bank South, said. Africa. “Through initiatives such as the Limpopo Business Awards, we reaffirm our support for businesses that reshape the province’s future as its trusted growth partner.”
The award is a call for action for businesses to play a role in creating meaningful change within their communities. By recognizing and supporting businesses that drive influence, the award encourages building a stronger, more inclusive and prosperous economy in Limpopo.
The Limpopo Business Awards entry is officially open and will be closed February 28, 2025. SMMEs from various industries are welcome to submit their applications through the following links: www.standardbank.co.za/limpopobusinessawards.
