BY MBALI TEBELE
Amstel Lager hosted a media launch yesterday, 30 March in Meadowlands, Soweto for their Entrepreneur campaign that salutes and supports township entrepreneurs.
Amstel Lager recently launched “The Entrepreneur – I Amstel building I’ksasa Lami” (I Amstel building my future) Competition, to recognise township business owners whose businesses aid in strengthening the Kasi economy.
Following an extensive search - Amstel has announced the top 12 together with their 4 Mentors, namely; DJ Zinhle, Caron Williams, Lebogang Mothibe, better known as ShugarSmaxk and Khaya Dlanga.
The campaign is to recognise the township business owners who are on their way to reaching their goals. The competition saw Amstel partnering with four community radio stations (Kasie FM, Alex FM, Thetha FM and Jozi FM), inviting business owners to enter. An impressive 5 023 entries were received, and listeners were invited to vote for their favourite businesses.
In a media release issued, it is mentioned that the finalists will receive a sum of money and some PR to give their businesses some exposure.
"...The 12 finalists have been selected, with each receiving over R50 000 in marketing and PR exposure to help take the business to the next level. Added to this, each business owner will receive mentoring from one of four carefully selected, fierce business luminaries who will provide advice and guidance.
"The incredible mentors include DJ Zinhle, the brains behind Era by DJ Zinhle jewellery and accessories, as well as Caron Williams, who established The Throne magazine. Lebogang Mothibe, better known as ShugarSmaxk will also share the experience he gained as the head of various media and marketing groups, while marketing and advertising expert Khaya Dlanga is another famous face eager to help the business owners.
"After the Top 12 receive 10 weeks of support, Amstel will select the four final winners who can look forward to even more rewards and business growth," the statement reads.
Senior Brand Manager at Amstel, Boipelo Malao expressed how blown away they were with the number of entries they got for this campaign. They are excited to help these entrepreneurs, showing them that local business is alive in the townships.
“The reality is that each of us wants to be the best version of ourselves, but each of us is going to face different obstacles as we try to realise that aspiration. ‘I Amstel’ is about the feeling that comes with taking a step forward whether big or small.
“We were blown away by the number of entries. It proves to us that entrepreneurship is alive and well in ekasi. Wherever we look, we are surrounded by people harnessing their talents and creativity to serve their communities. These entrepreneurs are not only improving their own lives; but by providing jobs and supporting their communities, they are inspiring many of us along our collective path,” she said.
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