SAB Foundation Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards 2019 is available for applications. The SAB Foundation supports and invests in entrepreneurs and social innovation with a priority in benefitting women and youth, people in rural areas and people with disability. The foundation is especially keen to create opportunities for disabled entrepreneurs and innovators. Thus, it has aimed the awards at innovators/social entrepreneurs/ institutions/ social enterprises that can solve a problem or provide solutions for those with disabilities.

Award

• The award can range from R200 000 – R1 300 000 , along with business development support to assist with venture growth.
• In addition, the awardees are also assessed on a case-by-case basis and put on a tailored programme with a specially selected business mentor as well as a technical expert.

Eligibility

• Open to any innovation solution that has prospect of meeting a demonstrable socio-economic need as well as demonstrating potential as a sustainable business.
• Entries are welcome from South African individuals, innovators, entrepreneurs, social enterprises and university departments. Entrants may enter as individuals on their own, or as members of a team.
• The innovation must be an original work of applicant and a true innovation or a significant improvement on an existing one.
• Product innovation covers innovations in both goods and services, which can be divided into new or improved products. A new product has different characteristics and intended uses than existing products. It may use new technologies, knowledge and products or a combination of these. An improved product is an existing product whose performance is significantly increased; in terms of either increased output or a reduction in cost.
• Process innovation is the adaption or creation of improved ways to deliver a product or service. It could come from changes in knowledge, perception and understanding. For poverty reduction, process innovations can increase the level of service delivery to reach previously untouched groups or individuals.
• The innovation solution must have progressed past the “blue-sky” thinking stage: there must be some evidence of investment by the applicant. This means that applicants must be able to show proof that prior to applying, they have spent time and/or money developing the innovation: planning, developing and testing prototypes, market and industry research, developing a business plan.
• Applications are open to all South African citizens of 18 years or older. All participants (“Entrants”) must submit a certified copy of their South African Identity Document with their online applications.

Applying

Complete the online application form in order to apply.