
FNB BIA
9 May 2019
FNB, globally recognised as one of the most innovative banks, sought to extend this ethos into the South African business ecosystem.

To achieve this, the FNB Business division aimed to celebrate and promote businesses that embody innovation. They partnered with Endeavor, a global entrepreneurship network, to create the FNB Business Innovation Awards.
Our role was pivotal in bringing this vision to life. We began by conducting comprehensive user journey research to understand the needs of businesses of all sizes and backgrounds. From there, we designed and architected the entry process for the awards program, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. This process included segmenting entry categories into five, based on business turnover, to provide a fair platform for businesses at every stage of growth.











The platform’s user experience (UX) design was inspired by interconnected nodes and a dynamic plexus structure, symbolizing the evolving nature of the business community. This design choice highlighted FNB’s role as a catalyst for innovation, nurturing and connecting forward-thinking businesses.







In addition to creating an external platform for businesses to enter, we developed an internal tool for FNB’s relationship managers. This platform allowed relationship managers to nominate businesses and guide them through the entry process. It also gave FNB a deeper understanding of the types of innovative businesses they served and provided an opportunity to build a network of like-minded, innovative enterprises.
The FNB Business Innovation Awards became more than just an awards program—it emerged as a strategic tool for FNB. It positioned FNB Business as a leader in supporting innovation, while providing a valuable touchpoint with their target market. Through this initiative, FNB has not only identified promising businesses but also helped them refine, advance, and scale their ideas, contributing to a lasting legacy in the South African business landscape.
