Launched by South African Breweries (SAB), in partnership with the SAB Foundation, this year’s SAB Sharp Awards is open for entries. Applicants with innovative solutions that seek to develop or enhance an existing social innovation are encouraged to apply.
The awards targets innovators, social entrepreneurs, institutions, students, researchers and social enterprises with innovative ideas or prototypes that empower women in at-risk communities, either by assisting them to become economically independent or by addressing issues associated with fetal alcohol syndrome or gender-based violence.
The prizes range from R250,000 to R500,000 in grant funding. In addition to the funding, each award winner also qualifies to receive business coaching, mentorship and technical support. This programme is flexible and adjusted to the needs of each awardee, as mutually agreed by both awardee and mentor.
Empowering social innovators
“We are excited to work with the SAB Foundation on this initiative and hope it will introduce us to some of South Africa’s finest innovators that we can partner with to develop sustainable solutions for women in our communities,” said Barbara Copelovici, SAB entrepreneurship director.
“We are constantly seeking new opportunities to empower social innovators,” says Itumeleng Dhlamini, social innovation specialist at the SAB Foundation. “We look forward to receiving applications this year that will help find innovative solutions that will help solve one of our country’s social challenges.”
Applications are open to all South African citizens of 18 years or older. Online applications close at midday on 1 June. Only applications submitted on the SAB Foundation web portal will be accepted. Click here to apply.
