Western Cape Entrepreneurship Recognition Awards WCERA 2025 : wcentrepreneurshipawards.co.za
Organization : Western Cape
Competition Name : Western Cape Entrepreneurship Recognition Awards WCERA 2025
Applicable For : South African residents
Competition Closing Date : 10.08.2025
Website : https://www.wcentrepreneurshipawards.co.za/
WCERA
The Western Cape Entrepreneurship Recognition Awards 2025 (WCERA) is the premium entrepreneurship competition in the Western Cape that recognises the achievements and potential of some of the Province’s most inspiring entrepreneurs.
Criteria
Entrant Criteria :
** Must be a South African citizen residing in the Western Cape with a valid South African identity document OR if there are non-South African applicants, they must have proof of permanent residency
** All the business operations must be Western Cape based
** Must be a duly registered entity
** Must be in possession of a valid tax clearance certificate
** Latest financial statements/management accounts/business bank account statements
** Have sound financial performance over the last year
** A sole proprietor or partnership must provide a letter from the accountant confirming that the sole proprietor or partnership is complying to general business principles
Categories
There are 6 categories in the competition
Emerging Business :
A business in its initial growth phase operating in the Western Cape for 12 months or longer, but not longer than 36 months with a minimum annual turnover of R50 000.00
Innovative Business :
Operating in the Western Cape for 12 months or longer. This refers to an innovative solution or approach to an existing service or product
Township Business :
A township-based business in its initial growth phase operating in the Western Cape for 12 months or longer with a minimum turnover of R200 000.00
Social Enterprise :
Any revenue generating entity operating in the Western Cape for 12 months or longer, which aims to address a social challenge or need
Woman-owned Business :
A 100% woman-owned business in its initial growth phase operating in the Western Cape for 12 months or longer – but not longer than 36 months – with a minimum annual turnover of R100 000.00
Youth Owned Business :
A youth-owned business (18 to 35 years old) in its initial growth phase operating in the Western Cape for 12 months or longer – but not longer than 36 months – with a minimum annual turnover of R100 000.00
Prizes
There will be 1 winner and 1 runner-up per category, resulting in 6 category winners and 6 runners-up. An overall winner will be selected. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in November 2025.
Per Category :
** 1st Prize – R30 000.00
** 2nd Prize – R20 000.00
All prizes are non-negotiable and non-transferable
Overall Winner :
Entrepreneur of the Year Award :
The winner of each category is also eligible for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The overall winner will be judged on the ability of the business to sustain/create jobs and to increase its turn- over in the medium to long-term.
Process
The Western Cape Entrepreneurship Recognition Awards competition has two phases leading up to the actual Awards event.
1. Call For Entries
This phase runs from 14 July to 10 August 2025 and you can enter via the online form on this website.
2. Selection Of Finalists And Winners
A panel of experienced and independent judges will evaluate all entries using a standard scoring system.
Awards Event
The WCERA 2025 Awards evening will take place in November 2025. By receiving an Award at the event, winners will benefit from the associated media coverage and publicity, as well as business development support and prize money.