Piekant Picnic bags business chamber entrepreneur award

Tension was mounting on Friday 17 November in the build-up to the announcement of the George Business Chamber (GBC) "The Entrepreneur" competition winner.

The GBC's first The Entrepreneur programme and competition, sponsored by Airports Company South Africa (Acsa), was launched at the Oubaai Hotel on 6 July.

After four months of intensive training, it culminated in a small business expo at Eden Meander Lifestyle Centre where the finalists showcased their businesses.

A total of 42 entries were received of which 25 finalists were selected. Five of these withdrew due to prior commitments and two were dropped from the programme due to lack of attendance.

It was during this event that Marguerite van der Merwe from Piekant Picnic was announced as the overall winner of the competition.

Irene Koegelenberg from Louter Express took second place and in third place was Janine Bruce from Sew Happy Sewing.

Marelize Klein (Kids Slumber Parties), Myrtle Sacuenda (Playtime Productions) and Hanno Hartzenberg (Avtec) were awarded as highly commended.

About the programme

The programme is widely recognised and has established its roots in the iLembe district of KZN since its inception more than a decade ago. The GBC is the first chamber outside KZN to implement this initiative.

The competition has enabled the GBC to reaffirm its commitment to the development

and advancement of businesses by supporting entrepreneurial development and SMME support in the Garden Route.

As media sponsor, George Herald featured competition articles and the call for entries in earlier editions of the paper.

The programme was run on Saturday mornings and the sessions were facilitated by competent experts in the different categories that are recognised as critical components in the running of a business.

The content of the different sessions was embraced by the entrepreneurs who have all reported that the programme has assisted them in identifying areas of their business that need attention to ensure a sustainable future.

Photos: Kristy Kolberg From the left are George Business Chamber chairperson Dr Willie Cilliers, second place winner Irene Koegelenberg of Louter Express, winner Marguerite van der Merwe of Piekant Picnic, third place winner Janine Bruce of Sew Happy Sewing and George Airport manager Brenda Vorster. At the back is Group Editors Operations Director Servaas de Kock.

Unam Gila and Nomzamo Entile of Explore Our Hood at their stall. Max Modise and Melissa Treurnicht of Outini Xais Travel and Tours.

Marelize Klein of Kids Slumber Parties was awarded as one of the highly commended participants.

See a video & more photos at www.georgeherald.com

The overall winner, Marguerite van der Merwe.