Season 1
Think Big is the search for a business that epitomises passion, energy, entrepreneurship and the efficient business skills needed to contribute to South Africa's economic growth.
This entrepreneur should be ready to take their business to the next level with the opportunity to win R1-million to put back into their business.
The journey to find this inspiring individual spans 10 weeks, and in addition to the winner another six contestants will walk away with cash injections into their businesses to the value of R100,000 each.
These prizes will take the form of cash to be invested in key businesses requirements, to help these business owners achieve their business dreams.
The Standard Bank "Think Big - Building Business Champions" show builds on its predecessor The Business Coach series for small and medium-sized enterprises, which aired in 2012.
Using the "Think Big" competition as a medium, the achievements and dreams of the 12 selected entrepreneurs, operating both big and small companies, will be discussed and areas for growth will be identified.
The contestants are guided through the process and offered valuable advice by a "board" of experts made up of captains of business and industry.
For more insights from the "board", a series of in-depth videos with key learnings, advice and practical tools from the show are made available, free of charge, on the BizConnect advice portal on Friday mornings after the show, and additional information is uploaded the following Tuesday morning.
Because the companies are of varying sizes, the focus also reflects on growing businesses, rather than only on start-up companies, which have previously been a focus.
Although already enjoying some success, they will be people who are ready - but still need expert advice and financial assistance – to leapfrog their businesses to higher levels of achievement.
With the cash injections that the winner and finalists earn, they will be able to consider the acquisition of assets, further growth and job creation.
The show's hosts, successful businesspeople in their own rights, are:
Derek Thomas
CEO of Letsema Holdings, who is a former strategic adviser to government and is a member of several boards and leadership networks.
Nobuntu Webster
Founder and Principal Strategist at Ayano Communications and Executive Director at African Pursuit.
They are backed by the "board", as well as other specialists in various skills such as HR, marketing and business coaching, depending on the individual needs of the businesses profiled on the programme.
Winners
Christine Buchanan and Louiza Rademan, sisters and co-owners of the Oh-lief brand of natural and organic body and baby care products, were announced the grand prize winners on 18 September, 2014.