Nominate a power woman

THE Port Elizabeth Businesswomen's Association is partnering with The Herald for its 2013 Regional Business Achiever Awards (RBAA). The awards, which celebrate the achievement of women in business, over six areas, were launched last week at a function at St George's Park.

The chairwoman of the association, Michelle Brown, said the awards were relevant as they " give acknowledgement and recognition to those women in our metro who are doing incredible work, but flying under the radar.

"A little praise and 'you did good' never hurt."

Entries for RBAA nominations opened at the official launch last week.

La Femme will print a nomination form once a month until entries close on February 28, and forms are also available from the Port Elizabeth chapter of the Businesswomen's Association (BWA).

Categories include: Emerging entrepreneur, entrepreneur, corporate, professional, social and – new to the list – government.

Nominees are then requested to complete a portfolio which is outlined at a nominees workshop on March 14 next year. The winners will be announced at a gala function on June 11 next year.

"At BWA, we hope that any women in business, from an emerging entrepreneur just starting out, to a professional or someone within the corporate infrastructure or someone within local or provincial government, will be nominated," Brown said.

"The nominee does not have to be a member to be eligible so it is open to women across the board."

She said the awards carried wonderful prizes like mentoring sessions for the finalists and winners.

"For example, Abafazi Foundation offers inspiring mentorship to certain category finalists, and NMMU chancellor Santie Botha is flying in to mentor our corporate category winner for the afternoon.

"There are amazing development opportunities for our finalists and winners to enhance their knowledge post-event."

• Further information from: Sam Bowers on e-mail: PE@bwasa.co.za or call (041) 367-1104.