February 4 2025 09:30
JSE-listed Attacq has launched the inaugural Green Seeds Competition. Attacq said this initiative reflects the company’s “dedication to embedding sustainability and social impact into the core of its business principles, highlighting its purpose driven approach to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies”.
In partnership with Property Point, the Green Seeds Competition was designed as a launchpad for entrepreneurial ideas that “challenge conventional thinking and reevaluate sustainability within the property sector”.
It is anchored in a “Dragons’ Den”-style format, and the competition invited participants to pitch solutions tailored to Attacq’s operational needs rather than “merely submitting profiles”.
“The Green Seeds Competition serves as a testament to our dedication to sustainability and innovation in the property sector. Our goal is to foster inclusive growth and long-term value for the industry by enabling entrepreneurs to create environmentally conscious and impactful solutions,” said Shawn Theunissen, Property Point founder.
Entrepreneurs were given six weeks in the first phase to craft their concepts into actionable, well-researched proposals The presentations were put to the test through three rounds, beginning with the operational team, then moving on to the executive team, and culminating with the board. The final round sought to gauge market readiness and return on investment (ROI) for Attacq. Participants had 15 minutes to wow the adjudicators. The finalists returned with r”efined pitches, sharpened by deeper research and interrogated to ensure scalability, sound business models, and measurable impact”.
The winning entrepreneur received a R50,000 equity investment to develop their idea, alongside the chance to pilot their solution at Attacq’s properties. Attacq is exploring ways to integrate these solutions into its supply chain, amplifying their potential for long-termeffects and fostering the creation of new green jobs.
The finale was held at Waterfall City, where three finalists presented their ideas to the judges and an audience. “The competition proved to be a fertile ground for ambitious ideas that address pressing challenges in South Africa’s evolving socio-economic landscape,” Attacq said.
“By merging social impact with business innovation, the Green Seeds Programme serves as a launchpad for entrepreneurs,” said Danny Vermeulen, Human Capital and Transformation Manager at Attacq. “It provides the skills, guidance, and green economy expertise needed to foster sustainable solutions within our industry,” he said.
The inaugural competition’s winner is Josephine Sidambe, managing director and co-founder of Ingqwele Consulting & Project Management.
“Together, we are planting the seeds of tomorrow’s innovation today,” said Vermeulen.
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