- SIGN UP for our newsletter to get the latest updates on business opportunities and news to help you on your entrepreneurship journey. IT’S FREE. Sign up here
FUNDING – Call for applications, deadlines
Note: Visit the organisation’s website for more information.
(YOUTH, WOMEN) WDB Growth Fund
WDB is a Section 12J Impact Investment Fund which focuses on increasing the participation of youth and women entrepreneurs in South Africa’s economy.
WDB is looking to fund black-owned businesses operating for at least 12 months, generating a minimum of R2 million and requiring growth capital.
– Minimum equity amount R1m; Maximum equity amount R10m
– The Fund will exit the business in Year 3 to Year 5
– The entrepreneur gets the first preference otherwise shareholding is sold to a 3rd party.
Please take note of the following:
– The Fund does not invest in turnaround businesses
– According to Section 12J, the following businesses do not qualify for investment:
- Financial Services
- Property Development
- Professional Services
- Sin business (gambling, alcohol, tobacco, weapons manufacturers)
If you are interested in this opportunity, please email your business profile to aimee@seedacademy.co.za. More info here
(RURAL, TOWNSHIP) 1000 Youth-owned enterprises in 100 days
The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) in collaboration with the Presidency and the Department of Small Business Development, aims to support businesses operated by young people in the township and rural economies to stimulate growth in township-rural economies.
This initiative’s threshold start from funding requirements of R1,000 to a maximum of R100,000 (depending on the stage of the business’ development).
A total of 87 days left from today (to apply).
Visit your nearest NYDA branch to have a direct interaction with one of the staff members and to go through a pre-screening process that will assess the need of their business. Application forms are available online for you to familiarise yourself with the process and required documentation.
READ: How Purchase Order Funding Can Help You Complete a Big Contract
ESD
(TOURISM & HOSPITALITY) Apply for the Sun International Enterprise Supplier Development (ESD) programme which focuses on black-owned SMMEs within their tourism supply chain, including food and beverages, casino and gaming to logistics and marketing.
According to their website, to apply for the programme businesses are required to have been trading for a minimum of two years, and should provide a product or service directly related to the Sun International supply chain.
(MANUFACTURING) The Massmart Supplier Development programme provides opportunities for small and medium manufacturing businesses that are potential suppliers to Massmart and its retail divisions, including Builders, Game and Makro.
Preference but not exclusivity is given to black-owned and women-owned businesses. The purpose of the Supplier Development Fund is to assist suppliers to enhance the quality of their products or improve their production capacity. Apply here
READ: Your Ultimate ESD Guide (Part 1) – What do SMEs REALLY Get out of ESD Programmes
APPLICATIONS FOR TRADE SHOWS, ACCELERATORS AND INCUBATION OPPORTUNITIES
Note: Visit the organisation’s website for more information
(TECH) Software AG Social Innovation Startup Programme
This initiative is a partnership between The Fix Scholarship and Software AG SA, which gives women-owned tech-enabled social startups the opportunity to apply to get assistance in accessing networks, entrepreneurship best practices and capital to scale.
The programme calls all-female social innovators – that have an enterprise or idea with a social purpose to drive positive change – to apply for the scholarship.
(ALL) Hatch by Founders Factory Africa
Founders Factory Africa is a venture development company with corporates, investors and world-class entrepreneurs to help entrepreneurs build and scale big businesses. Hatch by Founders Factory Africa is a community of African entrepreneurs, giving startups an opportunity to have access to a global network, which includes investors and innovators.
(STARTUPS) 22 on Sloane Incubation
22 on Sloane Incubation has three programmes currently open for applications. They are the Residency/Incubation programme designed for entrepreneurs who are in the process of starting or launching their new venture; the Accelerator programme which is designed for startups that are post revenue and ready to scale and attract investments into their company and the GEN Juniors, their Entrepreneurship Club targeted at participants between the ages 14 and 18.
(ALL) Raizcorp
Raizcorp is looking for small, black-owned business across South Africa to join their fully sponsored business growth programme. They are looking for entrepreneurs who operate across a range of industries, sector and business development.
They have two streams available: the first is for entrepreneurs with a business idea and those with an existing business.
(Selected Sectors) Dti National Pavilion
The Dti has extended the following invitations: South African exporters to get their products and services in the 2nd Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2020 in Kigali, Rwanda; Fruit Logistica Asia 2020 Exhibition to get your fruit exhibited in September 2020 in Singapore; South African exporters to participate at the Automechanika Germany 2020 National Pavilion in Frankfurt, Germany in September 2020.
The department of trade and industry (dti) will offer the following financial support to qualifying firms:
– Exhibition space and booth rental costs.
– Freight forwarding of display material
– Air travel assistance up to R17,000.00 (SMME and BOE only)
– Daily subsistence allowance of R3,000.00 per day (SMME and BOE only).
COMPETITIONS & AWARDS
SAB Foundation Social Innovation Awards
Applications for the SAB Foundation Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards 2020 are now open. They are looking for businesses that demonstrate a sustainable business model while solving a social problem, with a particular emphasis on innovation that benefits women, youth, people with disability or those in rural areas. Applications close 23 March 2020. More info here
(TECH) Hackathons for SA #GBV: Digital Solutions for real-world challenges
The event organisers urge emerging software developers, IT professionals, trainers, civil society organisations, students, academics and professionals to take part in this event. Participants will be split into teams to see how they can create innovative digital solutions to the problem of gender-based violence (GBV).
Prizes include that the winning team will walk away with R25,000, the runner up will receive R15,000 and there will be R5,000 in spot prizes up for grabs. The winner will be connected with mentors and other relevant community members such as developers, angel investors and venture capitalists.
Event details: 28 March at Tshimologong Precinct at 39-47 Juta St in Johannesburg. More info here
EVENTS – Seminars & Conferences
Note: Visit the organisation’s website for more information
GAUTENG
Bake a Business by FutureproofSA (Workshop)
This is an entrepreneurship programme for children between the ages of 6-12, teaching the core methodologies on how to start a business. A workshop includes a kitchen technique and a business skill. The 2 ½ hour workshop includes a hamper with a workbook, templates, business cards, flyers and snacks.
The workshops will take place either on a Friday or Saturday in March 2020, all hosted in Gauteng.
Township Shopper Marketing (Conference)
Now in its 12th year, this event is an definitive annual briefing, giving insights on how people of 76 townships in South Africa spend their money.
17 – 18 March 2020. The Bryanston Country Club, Sandton, South Africa
9th Annual Proudly South African Buy Local Summit & Expo (Conference)
Over 200 exclusively Proudly South African companies from large corporations to small artisanal crafters will be exhibiting. Visit the Expo to source new buyers and suppliers for your entire supply and value chain.
23 – 24 March 2020. Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
Student Accommodation Development Summit (Conference)
This event will welcome senior government leaders, developers and universities to discuss the future of student accommodation in South Africa.
25 Mar 2020. The Maslow hotel, Johannesburg, South Africa
Women’s Empowerment and Investment Platform (Seminar)
This is the first event for Heritage Circle, it will focus on cultivating a growth mindset and building a generational legacy. This event will also be a networking platform. For members of Heritage Circle the events are free, for non-members R100 commitment fee will be asked.
28th March 2020. Allan Gray, 8th Floor, Oxford Corner, 32a Jellicoe Avenue, Rosebank
WESTERN CAPE
Women in Tech Africa 2020 (Conference)
An opportunity to inspired and network with African women in the tech community and to also take part in career and personal development workshops and discussions.
18 – 19 March 2020. Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town
World Travel Market Africa (Conference)
This conference is aimed at helping businesses to generate sales leads, launch new products, enter new markets, raise brand awareness, size up your competition and conduct market research.
06 – 08 Apr 2020. Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town
The Cannabis Expo (Expo) is the global marketplace for education, innovative products, and businesses serving the cannabis industry and its medicinal, agricultural and lifestyle aspects.
19 – 22 Mar 2020. GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World, Cape Town
Professional Beauty Cape Town (Conference)
The Cosmetics and Beauty Products Industry trade fair will offer presentations on how to change your business for the better, social media management tips, trends and marketing and promotion.
06 April 2020. The River Club, Cape Town
KWAZULU-NATAL
Industry’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Business Forum
Join to learn more about the recent Data Service Market Inquiry and the funding options available for start-ups and Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs) in the ICT sector.
10 March 2020. Durban Chamber Conference Centre by the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Social Media Training by UvoLwethu Communications (Workshop)
Learn proven social media strategies to help you increase sales.
24 March 2020. 97 Innes Road in Berea
Youth in Business Forum by the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry – with a focus on improving the business pitches of small businesses, the event will present a Pitch Masterclass in order to upskill youth-owned businesses.
27 March 2020. Durban Chamber Conference Centre
READ: Where Successful Entrepreneurs Find Powerful Mentors
THE REST OF SOUTH AFRICA
The iBhayi Small Business Chamber’s Speed Marketing (Networking event)
It’s the place to do one-on-one marketing, make new contacts and build business relationships.
19 March 2020. Protea Hotel in Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth (Eastern Cape)
Management & Mindset: HOW TO AVOID BURNOUT by Future Females (Seminar)
This is a monthly event filled with tips to help you cope and avoid the burnout.
26 March 2020. FNB Conference Centre in Port Elizabeth (Eastern Cape)
Free State Mining Expo (Conference)
Learn about mining opportunities available.
19 March 2020. 20 Melville Dr, Brandwag, Bloemfontein (Free State)
Provincial Tourism Forum (Workshop)
Connect with the Bela-Bela Tourism Association and learn how to stimulate tourism growth in Limpopo.
17 March 2020. Polokwane
SIGN UP for our newsletter to get the latest updates on business opportunities and news to help you on your entrepreneurship journey. IT’S FREE. Sign up here
