The North-West University (NWU) believes in the transformative power of entrepreneurship, not only in terms of a re-envisioned world of work, but also as a driving force of renewed economic growth.
With this said, the third annual rendition of the popular NWU Leopards Lair Competition provides students from across the NWU’s geographical footprint – and their counterparts from the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) - the opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial savvy and in doing so, walk away with their share of R100 000 worth of prizes.
Applications for the competition, which runs over a period of two semesters, are being awaited and to ensure maximum participation the organisers have extended the deadline for applications to 5 August 2019.
More about the competition
Heading-up the competition is the NWU’s bhive Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) and the competition format is based on similar national and internationally business challenges such as Shark Tank and Dragon’s Den.
The competition will be decided over several rounds during which the participants have the opportunity to view their scorecards in order for them to monitor and improve their performance. The first round of the competition will see a total of 60 students – representative of all three of the NWU’s campuses as well as VUT – being chosen to participate.
These participants will then submit their Idea to Concept proposal after which 40 students will be invited to take part in the Business Model Canvas phase of the competition. Twenty students will proceed to the next round during which they will have to produce a video pitch and face off against each other. From here twelve participants will face an independent panel of business owners, investors, successful entrepreneurs and members of academia to battle it out for a place on the winners’ podium.
The value of entrepreneurship for young graduates
According to Johann Landsberg, manager of the bhive EDC, the NWU is actively promoting entrepreneurship as an innovative career alternative for graduates. While more private and public sectors have of late taken up the challenge to assist in promoting a more conducive environment for start-up entrepreneurs, many upcoming entrepreneurs still face a number of challenges.
“Through initiatives such as this competition, the NWU aims to address some of these challenges in a pro-active way,” says Johann. He adds that empowered entrepreneurs will be able to make informed and creative decisions that will positively impact South Africa’s strained economy. In short: an entrepreneurial mind-set will henceforth be a crucial commodity within the ever changing world of work.
Apply today!
Interested students should visit the competition webpage or send an e-mail to bhive@nwu.ac.za Entries close on 5 August 2019. For more information contact Dr Clarise Mostert on 016 910 3389 or send an email to Clarise.Mostert@nwu.ac.za
