Open online registration for ‘Startupper of the Year by Total’, a campaign aimed at supporting small businesses, ends this Sunday, January 31st.

The campaign, which started on November 1st and is being held in 34 African countries, aims at identifying and providing financial and other support to the best projects to create or grow a business under two years old in Ghana.

The winning project will be awarded the ‘Startupper of the Year 2016 by Total’ label, along with financial aid and coaching from Total Petroleum Ghana. Entry is free and open to any Ghanaian national aged 35 or under.

A jury of professionals will shortlist up to 10 of the best projects in Ghana based on criteria such as innovativeness, originality, boldness, growth potential and ability to improve people’s living conditions.

The list of finalist will be published on the contest’s website no later than February 28th, 2016. After contestants make their final presentations -- no later than March 15th 2016 -- the jury will select up to three of the best projects, which will be announced at an official awards presentation ceremony.

The ‘Startupper of the Year by Total’ contest is part of Total’s overall policy to support the socioeconomic development of all host countries worldwide.

It is a very concrete initiative to help strengthen the economic base and employment locally in Africa, by helping the boldest, most innovative entrepreneurs carry out their projects. The contest aims at fostering new initiatives while upholding Total’s core values.