Supplier development is a crucial component of SA’s economic growth and transformation. Done properly, it leads to sustainable business, genuine empowerment and positive benefits for stakeholders – but it remains a misunderstood and often confusing exercise.

The inaugural Absa Business Day Supplier Development Awards on May 23, will shine a light on what is working in this area, celebrate successes and encourage best practice.

An initiative of Business Day, in partnership with Fetola, Cold Press Media, and Tiso Blackstar Group, the event will provide national exposure to the finalists and networking opportunities for businesses that want to learn from key stakeholders in supplier development.

The Absa Business Day Supplier Development Awards is about far more than networking, though. It’s also about shared learning that benefits both individuals and organisations. By allowing peer-to-peer learning, a benchmark for best practice in supplier development can be created.

THE FIVE CATEGORIES

NOTE: Applicants do not need to select a category. Simply fill in the entry form and the judges will determine the most relevant category based on your application.

  1. Newcomer Award: Companies that have recently initiated supplier development.
  2. Game Changer Award: Companies whose innovative approach or groundbreaking methods could become South African best practice.
  3. Youth Award: Companies whose supplier development initiatives focus on the youth.
  4. Impact Award: Companies that make the greatest impact through supplier development.
  5. Overall winner: Companies that stand out as overall leaders in supplier development.

The Absa Supplier Development Awards welcomes entries from corporates, parastatals, government institutions and smaller Qualifying Small Enterprise businesses.