‘Small business’ competition bags ‘big doers’

OWN CORRESPONDENT

First prize winners in the ORT JET Eureka “Launch Your Business” Competition: Gladi8’s Richard Cohen; Gian Luca Cantarin; Ryan Canin; and Etai Miller, flanked by Steven Braudo of Liberty (left); 

Second prize went to Stockshop, owned by Lawrence Joffe and Annabel Dallamore. Stockshop is an online platform that acts as a personal assistant for investing in the stock market.

Third prize went to Fabcab, owned by Mark Kruger and Russell Katzoff. Fabcab supplies a dispenser unit which houses a variety of household cleaning products which is filled weekly by the company.

Fourth prize went to Student Work SA. Amanda and Paul Rabinowitz’ business is aimed at school leavers and students to assist them with finding quality part-time employment.

In addition to these winners, the ORT JET Sheldon Cohen/Sasfin Mentor of the Year, was awarded to Coral Wilder and the ORT JET Business of the Year award went to Vernon Zwiers.

The six-month-long process of the competition culminated in an exciting awards event last week at the Sandton Shul Hall. There were 11 finalists out of 78 entries.

Said Paul Bacher, ORT JET CEO: “It has been great to be on the journey with the winners. Some of the finest business minds in the country have fine-tuned the finalist’s strategies – which is so unique – an amazing opportunity for start-ups to come into contact with these captains of industry.”

Steven Braudo, Deputy CEO Liberty said his company was a proud sponsor of the competition. “We know that we have a responsibility for South Africa to start a new mindset which encourages entrepreneurship. The quality of the Eureka finalists, their growth and development throughout the competition process which included training and mentorship by captains of industry, showed their vision, passion, flexibility, self-belief and not least, chutzpah.”

“This is an important gathering to celebrate creativity and innovation,” added Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein. “These participants see an opportunity and take risks – courage is really what it is all about. Jews have always been entrepreneurs. We have a sense of vision and faith.”

ORT SA National Executive Member Clive Butkow , who was MC for the evening, said ORT JET’s unique mentorship programme which now numbered some 600 volunteer mentors, was thriving. “I hope you are inspired by this evening to help entrepreneurs to thrive in these uncertain times.”