- Innovo Networks (Trade and Services category) and Liquid Gold Africa (Manufacturing Category) won the honours in the 2021 Eskom Business Investment Competition (BIC).
- The results were unveiled during a virtual awards ceremony held on 14 December 2021.
Innovo Networks, M1 Financial Solutions and R Protections were announced as the winner, first runner-up and second-runner-up respectively in the Trade and Services category of the 2021 Eskom Business Investment Competition (BIC).
Innovo Networks is a telecommunications provider which tailors technology solutions to help small businesses grow and penetrate the market. Located in Milnerton, Cape Town, the company provides contact centre solutions, PBX, cloud computing and cyber security. “90% of start-ups fail in South Africa and we want to play a part in their success through tailored telecommunications solutions. Winning in the Eskom Business Investment Competition is amazing. The prize money will help us realise business growth as we continue to help other small businesses who were disrupted by COVID-19 in South Africa,” said Damian Michael, Innovo Networks’ Chief Executive Officer, who walked away with R131 250 in prize money.
Damian Michael, Innovo Networks’ Chief Executive Officer
Liquid Gold Africa took first prize in the manufacturing category of Eskom’s 2021 Business Investment Competition (BIC), followed by AGP Manufacturing in second position, and Ludada & Associates Orthopaedic Services in third place.
Liquid Gold Africa operates in the water and sanitation environment and specialises in the design and manufacture of unique waterless urinals to help recover valuable nutrients from urine for reuse in the agricultural space. “What has set us apart is our ability to offer our clients, end-users and the environment a unique sanitation technology that recovers not only nutrients, but water from the processes we use. We are also passionate about being able to create jobs in a struggling industry. Although we had a tough year due to COVID-19, we were able to grow and participate in the BIC, which marked a critical milestone for us. We look forward to the access to markets and networks and the opportunities”, said Orion Herman, Chief Executive Officer of Liquid Gold Africa.
“It is imperative that while government continues to create an enabling environment for small businesses to thrive, we all play our part to ensure the sustainability of SMMEs and to enable them to reach their full potential. Eskom has been doing its bit to assist them through the Business Investment Competition, facilitated under its developmental vehicle, the Eskom Development Foundation. We congratulate the entrepreneurs for grabbing this opportunity with both hands and for coming forward to exhibit the best they have to offer,” said Eskom Development Foundation Board Chairperson, Ms Sureta Moolman.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
