Applications for the SAB Foundation’s 11th annual Social Innovation Awards and 6th annual Disability Empowerment Awards deadline have been extended to midday 8 April 2021. This extension will provide interested applicants the opportunity to apply and stand a chance of winning R1.3-million in funding, especially eligible entrepreneurs are strongly encouraged to apply.
Bridgit Evans, SAB Foundation Director explains that the awards promote innovation and help entrepreneurs push-boundaries in their concept development.
“Over the years, we have seen entrepreneurs who had barely more than an idea when they started with us, go on to reach national and even international significance in addressing complex social problems in efficient and sustainable ways. With the world being where it is right now, we are excited to see what emerges through this application process. We always look forward to seeing the innovations that emerge each year.”
The awards aim to empower innovative entrepreneurs to develop unique products and services that assist the county’s most vulnerable communities. Winning social innovators stand the chance of receiving R200 000 to R1.3-million in funding for their innovations along with valuable business coaching and technical support.
The SAB Social Innovation and Disability Awards
Applications for the awards opened on 25 February and close on 31 March 2021. Interested applicants must apply via the online SAB Foundation portal. According to the SAB Foundation, to date, the awards have deployed over R92-million in grant funding and supported 139 social innovators.
The Social Innovation Awards target innovators, social entrepreneurs, institutions, and social enterprises that are early-stage startups with prototypes that aim to tackle social challenges.
Requirements for this category are that the products, services, business model, and processes must directly address challenges faced by low-income women, youth, people living with disabilities, or individuals living in rural areas.
The Disability Empowerment Awards focus on awarding social enterprises that have developed innovative solutions aimed at improving access to the economy or as a general solution for individuals living with disabilities. In addition, entrants proposed early-stage business model should be able to generate sustainable revenue.
Ntandokazi Nodada, Social Innovation Specialist at the SAB Foundation, comments on the launch of this year’s award applications.
“These awards give us the opportunity to meet so many talented social innovators who are really eager and enthusiastic to drive change and improve the lives of people in their communities and beyond.”
