Whether you are looking to start a business or have already established one, the ENGEN Pitch & Polish entrepreneurial workshop and competition programme is where you want to be on Saturday 21 October 2017 in Mthatha, or on 4 November in Port Elizabeth.
Now in its 8th year, ENGEN Pitch & Polish has helped approximately 10 000 entrepreneurs to improve the way they present their business to potential funders. Having a polished pitch is the key to growing your business.
During the first part of the day, all delegates will be taken through unique, experience-based entrepreneurial training, developed by Raizcorp – described by The Economist as “the only genuine incubator in Africa”. This year’s facilitator is best-selling author, international speaker and TV talk-show host, Justin Cohen. “ENGEN Pitch & Polish allows me to combine my two major passions – personal development and entrepreneurship – in a way that effects real change. I look forward to seeing you there!” said Cohen.
After Cohen’s inspirational message and training, contestants will be given the opportunity to pitch their idea or business to the audience. This is where the day heats up as contestants improve their pitches based on feedback from both Justin and the audience. Contestants must work hard to ensure that the answer to the question, “Would you invest in this person?” is a resounding “Yes!”
ENGEN Pitch & Polish, in collaboration with Engen Petroleum, Nedbank, Raizcorp, and media partner Caxton Local Media, culminates in a final event held in Johannesburg where the winners of the regional rounds compete to be crowned the ultimate pitch champion of 2017!
Register as a delegate to attend the workshop for free. And, if you feel you have what it takes, complete the online entry form, and stand the chance to be selected as a contestant! Either way, you will learn valuable lessons, including:
- How to turn your idea into a business;
- How to connect with like-minded individuals;
- How to take your business to the next level; and most important-
- How to pitch your business to potential investors or bank managers.
Register now for this fun, stimulating, motivational – and free! – workshop.
Whether you are a delegate or a contestant, be on time for the event! After all, if you were attending a meeting to secure funding for your business dream, would you be late?
Book now to ensure your place in Mthatha on Saturday 21 October 2017. SMS PITCH to 43719 (charged at 50c per SMS) or visit www.pitchandpolish.com. Grocott’s Mail will share details of the Port Elizabeth event on 4 November when these are available.
ABOUT
- The annual programme is called: ENGEN Pitch & Polish
- Engen Petroleum Ltd is the headline sponsor
- Nedbank is a sponsor
- The programme is a Raizcorp initiative
- The national media partner Caxton Local Media
- For editorial purposes, the spokesperson and project manager is Bronwyn Echardt from Raizcorp
- The PR Contact is Jodi Lynn Karpes from GreenQueen Communications
The Pitch & Polish platform is designed to give local entrepreneurs the opportunity to have their
ideas brainstormed, tested, and challenged. Through the course of the day they receive valuable
feedback and insights – and win cash prizes. The format includes both a workshop and competition
element. It is very much a lateral-thinking national business competition, exposing would-be
entrepreneurs to entrepreneurial training and thinking, helping entrepreneurs turn their business or
business idea into a success. It is a unique platform and search for the wonderful hidden
entrepreneurial gems in South Africa.
Background
Allon Raiz, CEO of Raizcorp, a company deeply involved in supporting entrepreneurs, recognised the
great need to develop entrepreneurs and became committed to providing existing and potential
small business owners (SMMEs) with entrepreneurial thinking and knowledge. He designed a
dynamic programme, Pitch & Polish, which was launched in 2010 throughout the country. The prime
objective for Pitch & Polish is to help entrepreneurs in towns and cities across South Africa polish
their business pitch.
Pitch & Polish Sponsors
• Raizcorp is, according to The Economist, the only genuine incubator in Africa. However, they
prefer to think of themselves as a ProsperatorTM rather than an incubator. They provide business
support for enthusiastic, growth-hungry entrepreneurs, offering them a platform that fosters
learning and guidance, which can be translated into practical business success. They also offer
partnership opportunities, providing invaluable business guidance and support for your business.
They guarantee you results! And, for Corporate Sponsors, they provide access to quality
suppliers for Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD). To find out more about Raizcorp’s
entrepreneur support programme, telephone 011 566 2000 or visit their website at
www.raizcorp.com
• Engen Petroleum Ltd. in South Africa focuses on the downstream refined petroleum products
market and related businesses. The company’s core functions are the refining of crude oil, the
marketing of primary refined petroleum products and the provision of convenience services via
their extensive retail network. For more information about Engen visit www.engen.co.za
• Nedbank is a bank with extensive experience in serving small business and continues to invest in
practical solutions for those who are starting a business, running an established business or
looking to expand. For more information visit www.nedbank.co.za
Format of the event:
• Participants take part in a free day-long competition-based workshop
• Pre-registration is required to be a participant and/or contestant
• On the day contestants “pitch” their business idea to the audience
• A facilitator gives tips and guidance, helped by the audience, to “polish” the pitch until the
contestants have a professional and in-depth presentation
• The audience are primed to role-play as bankers and investors and interact throughout the day
with valuable feedback
• The event culminates in the contestants giving their final three-minute pitch
• It is a learning environment and opportunity for both the contestants and participants
• Both contestants and audience discover how to produce a compelling, well-rounded
presentation
• It’s fun, stimulating and motivational
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