"Tension is building as the top 10 finalists of "The Entrepreneur" competition prepare to face the judges on the 27th of October", said Trenley Tilbrook, CEO of the ilembe chamber of commerce industry and Tourism (ICCIT). The competition was launched by the iLembe Chamber, in partnership with African Bank and Enterprise iLembe on the 1st of July 2011.

"Since the closing date the Mentors have been hard at work" said Tim Driman, chairperson of the ICCIT mentorship panel. "240 applications were received and reviewed by the mentors and 20 candidates were then selected and interviewed. The top 10 finalists were then selected and are currently being mentored ahead of the final" said Driman

The final will take place on the 27th of October, birthday of the late OR Tambo, in commemoration of his life long struggle for a non-racial democracy that gives equal opportunity to all. The finalists will then be expected to present their business plan to the panel of Judges - Idols style"

The panel of judges whom will make the final decision will be made up of 4 successful business leaders and entrepreneurs. From what we could gather - 3 of the judges have been secured and the names will only be released at a later date, but we do know that there will be a representative from African Bank, representative of Enterprise ilembe and a representative of the ilembe chamber.

"I am unfortunately not allowed to share with you at this stage who the fourth judge will be, but can assure you that it would be well worth attending the event" said Tilbrook

The final event will take the form of a Gala dinner where the finalists will not only have to face a panel of judges, but a live audience. Tickets will be going on sale as of next week for those wishing to attend the event.

The competition is part of the ICCIT mentorship and entrepreneur program driven by the ICCIT mentorship panel. A panel of mentors made up of retired, successful business leaders and entrepreneurs willing to share their knowledge, wisdom and experience.

"The main objective of the competition is to empower, inspire and mentor budding entrepreneurs" said Tilbrook