The Gauteng government`s Blue IQ regional development programme will launch its Blue Catalyst portal this week, aiming to bridge the gap between good ideas and creating a sound business.
The Blue Catalyst Web site will create a network of entrepreneurs, mentors, investors and patrons, to work together to develop the ideas behind technology- or knowledge-intensive new businesses in Gauteng.
A statement issued by Blue Catalyst says its mission is to increase the number of sustainable smart businesses in Gauteng by pulling private and institutional investors and advisors into the early part of the investment chain. The mandate encourages commercial behaviour, but ultimately elevates development goals over commercial goals.
"While SA enjoys many of the conditions required to support successful local and international commercial ventures, it ranks lowest of all developing countries in measures of entrepreneurship. The three components of the gap have been identified as: skills shortages; lack of access to cross-cultural, skilled networks of people for advice; and a lack of funding for early-stage businesses," says Kevin Fleischer, CEO of Blue Catalyst.
Blue Catalyst will coordinate resources required to 'catalyse` a business. The team has established an Internet-based portal and invited people with the right skills to form the network.
This is aimed at helping to meet the needs of knowledge-based entrepreneurial ventures by offering credibility, market access and financial resources through active engagement with a networked team of hand-picked and experienced stakeholders, mentors and coaches who are flexible, creative and commercially oriented.
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