The South African Breweries (SAB) in partnership with the SAB Foundation, has established the SAB SHARP Awards.
These awards target 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 Foetal Alcohol Syndrome or Gender based violence.
Applicants with out-of-the-box and innovative solutions that seek to develop or enhance an existing social innovation are strongly encouraged to apply.
The prizes range from R250 000 to R500 000 in grant funding. In addition to the funding, each award winner also qualifies to receive tailored 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.
“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 open at midday on 25 April 2022 and close at midday on 1 June 2022. Only applications submitted on the SAB Foundation web portal will be accepted. Apply now: https://sabfoundation.co.za/social-innovation-awards
Previous Reduction of Alcohol Misuse Awards winners
In 2021, as part of its annual Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards, the SAB Foundation introduced a new category, the Reduction of Alcohol Misuse Awards. Five innovators were awarded R500 000 each for their innovations that addressed societal challenges such as, but not limited to, drunk driving, underage drinking, underage drinking, binge drinking, foetal alcohol syndrome, resistance to behaviour change and the lack of available data on alcohol abuse.
The winning innovations included the Geo Map for Reduction of Alcohol Misuse; Augmented Reality Education Resource and Shifting Gears and Choosing the High Road, a programme designed to help participants gain new skills and strategies to manage risks that result in alcohol misuse and driving under the influence. Others included SAB Filters, an augmented reality using face filters to raise awareness on alcohol misuse, and Lethabo The Groovist, a virtual assistant that helps youth avoid drinking and driving.
