Rizepreneur Select - Guidelines & Terms

Rizepreneur Select is a community-powered recognition platform that highlights exceptional South African entrepreneurs and small businesses. Recognition is earned, visibility is curated, and the community decides.

Published through Rizepreneur Edge, Select is a bimonthly initiative that celebrates businesses genuinely supported by their communities. This is not an awards event, but a curated recognition system with transparent public voting and editorial oversight.

Select

Guidelines & Terms

Nominate

Vote

1. Purpose

  • Rizepreneur Select exists to:

    • Recognise businesses that are trusted, rising, and impactful

    • Give communities a credible voice in who receives visibility

    • Create a published record of excellence through Rizepreneur Edge

    • Build a long-term institution for small business recognition

2. Eligibility Requirements

  • To qualify for nomination, a business or entrepreneur must:

    • Be based and operating in South Africa

    • Have been actively operating for at least six months

    • Have a verifiable digital presence (website, social media, marketplace, or platform)

    • Agree to public voting and publication in Rizepreneur Edge

    • Commit to ethical campaigning and voting conduct

    Note: Meeting eligibility does not guarantee acceptance. All nominations are reviewed by Rizepreneur prior to shortlisting.

3. Categories

Each bimonthly cycle features three categories:

Community Favourite Brand

Recognises a brand that customers genuinely love and actively support. Considerations:

  • Strong customer engagement and interaction

  • Positive reputation and repeat support

  • Consistent presence and accessibility

Rising Entrepreneur

Recognises a business or entrepreneur showing clear momentum and growth. Considerations:

  • Operating for under five years

  • Evidence of growth, visibility, or expansion

  • Active involvement of the founder in the business

Local Excellence

Recognises businesses that consistently deliver quality while creating meaningful local value. Considerations:

  • At least 12 months of active operation

  • Proven consistency in quality or service

  • Contribution to local value creation, including:

    • Local production or manufacturing

    • Job creation or skills development

    • Serving and uplifting the local community

4. Nomination Process

Nominations are open to:

  • Customers, followers, industry peers, and business owners (self-nominations allowed)

Each nomination must include:

  • Business or entrepreneur name

  • Selected category

  • Motivation (max 150 words)

  • Link to digital presence

  • Confirmation of eligibility and agreement to participate

Incomplete or inaccurate nominations will not be considered.

5. Shortlisting & Voting

  • Nominations are reviewed internally by Rizepreneur

  • Maximum of 10 nominees per category are shortlisted

  • Shortlisted nominees proceed to public voting via Rizepreneur’s official paid voting system

Voting Details:

  • Open for verified shortlisted nominees only

  • Paid voting ensures fairness and sustainability

  • Bundles are as follows:

    • 5 votes → R25 (R5 per vote)

    • 10 votes → R40 (R4 per vote)

    • 20 votes → R60 (R3 per vote)

    • 30 votes → R90 (R3 per vote)

    • 50 votes → R150 (R3 per vote)

  • Minimum purchase: 5 votes

  • Votes are non-refundable and counted immediately upon payment

  • Votes contribute to the ranking process and help sustain the Rizepreneur Select platform. Voting does not guarantee a win, and recognition is non-monetary unless otherwise stated.

6. Annual Recognition

  • Businesses featured in Rizepreneur Select automatically qualify for the Rizepreneur Hall of Recognition, published in December.

  • Annual recognition considers cumulative contribution, visibility, and community support throughout the year.

  • Annual categories include:

    • Entrepreneur of the Year – People’s Choice (cash prize)

    • Community Impact Brand of the Year

7. Terms & Conditions

  • Participation constitutes agreement to these guidelines

  • Rizepreneur reserves the right to modify, cancel, or postpone the program at any time

  • Personal data collected will be handled according to our Privacy Policy

  • Rizepreneur is not liable for any damages, disputes, or losses arising from participation

  • Any fraudulent activity or unethical campaigning may result in disqualification

  • Votes are final and non-refundable

8. Contact

For questions or disputes regarding nominations, voting, or awards, please contact:
Email: info@rizepreneur.co.za
Phone / WhatsApp: 064 809 6178