The innovation agency of Gauteng, the Innovation Hub, has celebrated the graduation of 12 entrepreneurs from its business incubation programmes.
The graduation which will see entrepreneurs moving to an Alumni programme, was held on April 19 at The Innovation Hub conferencing venue in Lynwood.
The Innovation Hub supports entrepreneurs with innovations that address social and environmental challenges faced by Gauteng, as well as those that enhance the competitiveness of local industries.
Through the Business Incubation programmes, The Innovation Hub provides an enabling environment that supports entrepreneurs by providing mentoring and support to ensure business growth and sustainability of their businesses.
Amongst the list of graduates was Sifiso Ngobese, the chief executive of Unconventional Media who developed a waste trolley that also doubles-up as a mobile billboard, where companies can sponsor branded messages and use these trolleys as a marketing platform. They also train and equip local informal waste collectors with basic business and entrepreneurial skills needed to take their waste trade to the next level.
Another graduate, Pulego Communications, developed Co-Safety, a mobile app which enables citizens to report crime or provide anonymous tip-offs of incidents of crime, corruption, bylaw infringements and traffic to the police.
Managing director of Simodisa and Innovation Hub board member, Matsi Modise, gave the keynote address and emphasised the need for entrepreneurs to identify their own market, to “understand, refine and redefine your market”, adding that market value should take precedence to funding support.
Concerning the role of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, Modise said that incubators “need to start getting entrepreneurs investment ready”, but that “entrepreneurs also have the responsibility of creating traction for their business”. (via African News Agency)
