Four South African Xero small business customers will each win R250,000, with an additional R545,000 available in each category should a South African winner receive a global prize.
The Xero Beautiful Business Fund is open to Xero small business customers in South Africa, Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), New Zealand, Singapore, the UK, and the US and will recognise companies who are eager to take the next step in various aspects of their business.
Colin Timmis, country manager, Xero South Africa said: “I’m constantly inspired by the optimism and ambition of the self-made businesses that are at the heart of the South African economy. However, they often face barriers to growth and access to funding can be a huge hurdle. We are pleased to be able to provide this funding to help small businesses invest in areas where they may not have had the cash to do so.”
There will be four winners in South Africa, one for each category, and these will be determined by a judging panel consisting of industry leaders Lornelle Jonas, managing director E’lique Advisory; Nick Dreyer, co-founder Veldskoen; Yaeesh Moosa, head of marketplace at Takealot.com; Colin Timmis, country manager Xero South Africa, and Xero employee judge Kabir Thakor.
A total of 28 regional winners, one from each region for each category, will be determined by regional judging panels before being put forward to the global judging panel to select the global winner for each of the four categories.
To apply, Xero small business customers will need to submit a 90-second pitch video and complete a brief written form for as many categories as they want:
Each submission should be future-focused and detail how the funding would benefit the small business.
For full submission criteria and details, please visit the website. Submissions will close on 6 October 2023. Winners will be announced later this year.
