GLOBAL STUDENT ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS

SA students eligible for cash and prizes valued at $150 000

Budding South African student entrepreneurs with their own up-and-running businesses are being offered the opportunity of lifetime – and a share of US$150,000 in cash and prizes – if they nominate themselves or another student for this year’s Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA).

Held annually by the international Entrepreneurs' Organisation (EO), entries to the competition are open until September 1 2011.

Ronen Aires, CEO and co-founder of Student Village, South Africa’s leading youth marketing and career development solutions provider, said the potential rewards for students entering the programme were “huge”. Aires is the director for Africa for the GSEA.

“Undergraduate students currently running a business have the chance to apply for the contest with the chance to win $150,000 in cash and prizes. Applicants will have their companies reviewed with the top selected applicant being awarded the South Africa National Champion award. The winner of the competition will be invited to compete at the 2011 GSEA Global Finals as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week,” Aires said. “This is not just another awards programme for student entrepreneurs; it is a life-changing experience. The goal of The GSEA is to inspire students to become successful entrepreneurs. The programme offers them a network of professional advisors to support and guide them in growing an efficient business during and after university."

Students can nominate themselves or fellow student entrepreneurs online at www.gsea.org/nominate Each nominee must be an undergraduate student at a recognised university for the 2010/2011 academic year and be enrolled at their institution at the time of application. The student must be the owner, founder or controlling shareholder of the company and principally responsible for its operation. The business must have been running for at least the last six consecutive months, and must be a for-profit enterprise.

“This is a golden opportunity for student business owners not only to compete against the world’s best, but also to hook into a global network of mentors and fellow student entrepreneurs,” Aires added.

For more information contact Ronen Aires at Student Village on 011 885-3918 or email: ronen@studentvillage.co.za or visit www.gsea.org