MTN Business has announced that it will be sponsoring a new “Apprentice” style South African reality TV show, “The Big Break”. The Big Break will root out South Africa’s rising entrepreneurial stars and assist them in developing their businesses.
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Prizes to the tune of US$700 000 are up for grabs, and the show itself represents an opportunity for entrepreneurs to shine. Business segments general manager of MTN Business, Nomalanga Nkosi says,
For MTN Business this is not just a sponsorship, it’s a philosophy. The Big Break represents opportunity, inspiration and more importantly recognises fledgling entrepreneurs from South Africans that have determination, gusto and a can-do attitude.
MTN Business understands the complexities of running a small business and feel that it is important that more corporate businesses move towards a model and mindset of growing the SME sector and mobilising the small business community, by not only providing cost effective and innovative solutions, but also supporting proudly South African initiatives such as The Big Break.
MTN Business is committed to real advancement on the African continent, believing that SMEs are indispensable contributors to the future viability of South Africa, and we passionately believe in and drive this entrepreneurial support at every part of our corporate influence and direction. We are certainly proud to bring together such a diverse group of people to share experiences, visions and advice — all which plays a crucial role in the innovations that lead to technological change, productivity growth and economic viability.
Nkosi continues by saying that entrepreneurship is not only the mere creation of a business; it is about the vision, innovation, hard work and eventual realisation of that dream. In South Africa, there are an estimated 1.5-million small to medium enterprises (SME), with the sector continuing to significantly contribute to SA’s fiscal development. The startup phase however, has been dampened by a high failure rate, which Nkosi attributes to a lack of corporate support and business insight.
As businesses continue to focus on SMEs, the culture of entrepreneurship will broaden. With the filming of The Big Break, entrepreneurship will be pushed even further into the spotlight.
