BPC application period now open

The competition kicked off with the first of four roadshows to be undertaken this month, with the next in Nhlangano on February 7; another at Mahlanya on February 14 and the last one at Buhleni on February 21, 2009.

This year’s competition is targeting young people between 18 and 30 years of age.

Jean Muthamia-Mwenda, the BPC Manager, said the application period would be open until April 3, 2009.

"Young people can get application forms from various places. We are working with other stakeholders to ensure the forms are easily accessible to young people. We will distribute forms through the Swaziland National Youth Council (SNYC) Youth Centres, ACAT, at LULOTE in Manzini and The Business Place in Big Bend. They will also be available in our offices in Mbabane as well as in selected issues of The Times of Swaziland newspaper," Mwenda said.

Applicants are required to complete the application form and prepare a four-page business summary. TechnoServe will interview eligible applicants and judges will then evaluate the concept papers to select the Top 60. Mwenda said this group of entrepreneurs would then undergo a rigorous two-month training programme.

"Upon completing the training programme, each of the participants is expected to come up with a complete business plan that will be looked at by an independent set of judges. The judging process at each phase of the competition is as transparent and objective as possible, as the judges follow a comprehensive scoring guideline," she said.

At the end, 16 prize winners will be selected. TechnoServe has set aside a total of E775 000 to disburse as seed capital prizes for the winners who will come up with vibrant and bankable business plans.