Budding South African student entrepreneurs with their own up-and-running businesses are being offered the opportunity of a lifetime - and a share of US$150 000 in cash and prizes - if they nominate themselves, or another student, for this year's Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA).

Ronen Aires, CEO and co-founder of Student Village, South Africa's leading youth marketing and career development solutions provider, said "The potential rewards for students entering the programme is huge.

Entries for the annual Entrepreneurs' Organisation (EO) international competition closes on 1st September 2011.

Aires said, "Undergraduate students who are currently running a business have the chance to apply and win $150,000 in cash and prizes. Applicants will have their companies reviewed, with the top selected applicant being awarded the South Africa

National Champion award. The winner of the competition will be invited to compete at the 2011 GSEA Global Finals as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week," said Aires.

"This is not just another awards programme for student entrepreneurs; it is a life-changing experience. The goal is to inspire students to become successful entrepreneurs. The programme offers them a network of professional advisors to support and guide them in growing an efficient business during and after university."

Each nominee must be an undergraduate student at a recognised university for the 2010/2011 academic year, and be enrolled at the institution when entering the competition.

The business must have been running for at least the last six consecutive months, and must be a for-profit enterprise.
"This is a golden opportunity for student business owners not only to compete against the world's best, but also to hook into a global network of mentors and fellow student entrepreneurs."

Students can nominate themselves or fellow student entrepreneurs online at www.gsea.org/nominate

For more information contact Ronen Aires at Student Village on 011 885 3918 or email ronen@studentvillage.co.za