WINDHOEK  - Aspiring entrepreneurs with innovative ideas are invited to enter the Business Idea Competition that is in its third year and is run by the Namibia Business Innovation Centre (NBIC) at the Polytechnic of Namibia.

The competition aims to stimulate the general public into creating ideas that can be turned into viable and sustainable businesses.
The competition closes on 17 April this year. The Business Idea Competition is an initiative of the Innovation Marketplace.

“I believe all innovative ideas have the potential of being transformed into reality, therefore, all ideas are welcome. Please remember, there is no idea that cannot be improved,” says Silas Newaka of NBIC.

There are many challenges young people encounter in making their ideas a reality. Lack of knowledge and uncertainty regarding the idea’s viability are just some of the challenges.

NBIC gives aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their ideas through this competition. Experts will assess the ideas submitted and the successful ideas would be further developed through Entrepreneurship and Incubation programmes at NBIC. To stimulate and motivate the public, NBIC will run two workshops on idea creation and generation before the competition closes. The objective of the idea creation workshops is to teach interested people techniques on how to create new or improved business ideas.

The business idea competition helps transform business ideas into business plans and later, into successful start-ups. The previous winner of the competition, Johan de Klerk, encourages all people with ideas to enter the competition.

“I think innovation is very important and it’s the basis for any business. What the NBIC started is good and they should continue with these innovative competitions”, he said.

Participants will have to submit their business idea or concept by 17 April. The workshops are free of charge and we urge everyone to participate.