Stage set for SNIEA 2005

ANOTHER year has passed and it is once again the time to judge small businesses that have excelled in this year’s edition of the Sam Nujoma Innovative Entrepreneurs Awards (SNIEA) to be held at a gala event in Windhoek this week.

The SNIEA 2005 will honour small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are contributing towards the building of the country’s economy and Vision 2030, which aims to make Namibia into an industrialised nation. Joint Consultative Council National Co-ordinator Tuwilika Hamwele said in this seventh year of the competition, the JCC was awarding innovative and entrepreneurial ideas in Namibia.”It is also important to mention that this competition is supported by our public and private social partners in Namibia who realise the importance of the SMEs in Namibia,” said Hamwele.To participate in the SNIEA – an event that has become popular among SME operators – quality and business excellence are prerequisites.The categories have this year been reduced to two: the Bright Idea Award and the Existing Business Award.The special prize for service provision to the SME sector still exists as a third category.Sectors considered for the competition are: mining, agro-processing, fishing, consulting, transport, body care, health and crèches, hospitality, tourism and crafts, food, manufacturing, selling and catering, metal and mechanics, textile and leather, construction, maintenance and carpentry.Winners will all receive a cash prize of N$10 000 up front and a business support package ranging from N$20 000 to N$30 000.The overall winner would also take home a floating trophy together with the other prizes.Previous winners of the SNIEA have commended the awards for boosting their businesses and generating confidence among SMEs.At this week’s awards ceremony, previous winners will give presentations on how the awards contributed to their businesses.The event will also give an opportunity for SMEs to exhibit their wares and market themselves.JCC board members, former President Sam Nujoma, the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Bernhardt Esau, business leaders and SME operators are some of the people invited to the event.Joint Consultative Council National Co-ordinator Tuwilika Hamwele said in this seventh year of the competition, the JCC was awarding innovative and entrepreneurial ideas in Namibia.”It is also important to mention that this competition is supported by our public and private social partners in Namibia who realise the importance of the SMEs in Namibia,” said Hamwele.To participate in the SNIEA – an event that has become popular among SME operators – quality and business excellence are prerequisites.The categories have this year been reduced to two: the Bright Idea Award and the Existing Business Award.The special prize for service provision to the SME sector still exists as a third category.Sectors considered for the competition are: mining, agro-processing, fishing, consulting, transport, body care, health and crèches, hospitality, tourism and crafts, food, manufacturing, selling and catering, metal and mechanics, textile and leather, construction, maintenance and carpentry.Winners will all receive a cash prize of N$10 000 up front and a business support package ranging from N$20 000 to N$30 000.The overall winner would also take home a floating trophy together with the other prizes.Previous winners of the SNIEA have commended the awards for boosting their businesses and generating confidence among SMEs.At this week’s awards ceremony, previous winners will give presentations on how the awards contributed to their businesses.The event will also give an opportunity for SMEs to exhibit their wares and market themselves.JCC board members, former President Sam Nujoma, the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Bernhardt Esau, business leaders and SME operators are some of the people invited to the event.