Is 2020 the year you finally get started on that business idea or take your business to the next level? We showcase some of the country’s biggest and best support organisations offering a wide range of acceleration, incubation and support services.
The support networks in this series are:
– Township Entrepreneurs Alliance
– AlphaCode Incubate
– Tshimologong Precinct
– FinFind
– Youth Ideas Development Tech Program
– Proudly South African
– Entreprenerdy
– Riversands Incubation Hub
– Fetola – Business Growth Professionals
Tshimologong Digital and Innovation Precinct is a tech hub and is a partnership between the University of the Witwatersrand’s Joburg Centre for Software Engineering (JCSE), the City of Johannesburg and the business sector.
Initiatives at the precinct include the Africa Rising 4.0, a startup 12-week incubation programme aimed at powering digital entrepreneurship and early-stage startup growth, which are hosted by Tshimologong Precinct in collaboration with JP Morgan; and also a security access management hackathon hosted by Tshimologong Precinct in partnership with the Airports Company of South Africa.
Khwezi Fudu Cenenda, Enterprise Development Manager at Tshimologong Precinct, shares how startup founders can become part of the hub that aims to boost digital and entrepreneurship skills in the ICT sector.
What kinds of businesses/sector does your programme target?
Tshimologong targets innovative tech and digital startups.
What kind of entrepreneur are you looking to support?
Innovative, tech and digital startup [owners] who are self-starters, driven, creative, critical thinkers and are able to stretch their limited resources.
What are some of the tools and resources that they will have access to as part of your programme?
Skills development through the Skills Development Academy, access to Enterprise Development Programmes, masterclasses on tech and business, events relevant to innovation, tech and business, a Makerspace to build and test technology solutions, a co-working space, and boardrooms.
What costs are involved for the entrepreneur?
The programmes and events are generally free. The co-working space costs R1500 per month per founder of a startup, additional members receive discounts.
What is the duration of the programme?
Time commitments vary from programme to programme, and is highly dependent and driven by the entrepreneurs’ needs.
What can the entrepreneur expect to gain from the programme?
– Business Model Development
– Business concepts (design thinking, product development, financial management, marketing)
– Various technologies and their applications
– Soft skills (self-mastery, creative problem-solving, leadership, cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit)
Any case studies/testimonies you would like to share with our readers?
”The programme has given me tools on how to focus on creating a solution based on the customers personal pain, by conducting research that can validate if there is a market and if that market is willing to not only use, but pay for the solution.” – Tlamelo Mathe, founder: Airsave
“The JP Morgan programme has opened doors for us through its networks and has structured our startups through its various mentors and masterclasses. Our startups are months ahead in progress ever since the incubation started.”- Vuyisile Hanise, founder: Tyrant solutions
“My experience at Tshimologong has been one of learning, being reminded of the basics and remembering to relentlessly focus on value. When we came to the Accelerator Programme we were focused on the facilities management space which had high barriers to entry. Through the acceleration process we have since pivoted the business model to solely be focused on agriculture and driving value to farmers to ascertain food security.” – Lehlohonolo Ramongalo, CEO: eGooma
“This startup incubator, as hosted by Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, has not only provided me with the necessary tools, but with the confidence required to succeed against overwhelming odds. The programme has significantly improved my awareness and understanding, allowing me to unpack and tackle business related problems with focus and direction. Surrounded by like-minded individuals and having access to a network of influential people, I can tap into these sources for assistance and continued support.”- Mogammad Jameel Isaacs, CEO: The Election App™
What is the best way that they can approach your organisation (email, walk in etc)?
– Walk in: Address: 41 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001.
– Or email: community@tshimologong.joburg
– Or call us on: +27 10 822 3530
– Visit our website: https://tshimologong.joburg/
