Youth unemployment is one of South Africa’s troublesome challenges. Prior to the pandemic, youth unemployment was sitting at 43.5%. Food security non-profit organisation Ladles of Love is launching the Realise A Dream (RAD) competition for young food-producing entrepreneurs. Chefs, bakers and food artisans between 18 and 34 years old with new or existing food businesses are invited to enter online.
To win, contestants need to complete an entry form and a WhatsApp video presentation of 1–2 minutes detailing their business, product and dream. From there, 10 finalists will be chosen. They will be coached by business professionals to perfect their pitch for the judges at the V&A Makers Landing food business incubation hub.
The 10 finalists will face the judges on 16 June 2021. The judges will assess their product innovations, business plans and feasibility. Then, three winners will be chosen. These winners will work closely with their appointed industry mentors to accelerate their businesses. Respected local food experts and well-known chefs from the panel include Ladles of Love trustee and chef Mokgadi Itsweng, chef and TV personality Zola Nene, and Woolworths TASTE food director Abigail Donnelly.
“We are looking for young food entrepreneurs who have a ‘yearn to earn’ and great business concepts. They may have a food business idea that they want to get off the ground or may have started a small business already. It has to be related to food, a product that can be packaged and sold. It can be anything from bottling vegan smoothies to smoking meats to baking breads. Our aim is to accelerate their businesses, help them successfully transition into the marketplace and, importantly, show them how to make a positive impact in food security,” says Mokgadi.
Do you have what it takes to wow the judges? Take the leap and enter!