Do you have a good business idea but you do not have the sufficient resources or support to explore and turn it into a viable business? Now what if there was a place where you could have a team of business experts to your disposal, that will not only encourage the development of your idea, but who will also assist you with transforming it from good to great whilst creating a profitable business at the same time? And what if all of that, as well as the full use of a professional business environment could be yours, at a very minimal cost?
Well, if your brainchild has the potential to address a need within the high tech and high growth sectors of information and communication technology (ICT), biosciences, advanced electronics or electrical engineering, advanced manufacturing or sustainable energy, then there is good news. Such a place actually exists, and it has taken shape in the form of Maxum Business Incubator at The Innovation Hub. In fact, the reason for the existence of Maxum Business Incubator, is to develop small enterprises in Gauteng for a period, until such time that they have grown into profitable businesses that make a positive contribution to the economy.
The level of assistance could vary, but is available from right there where the idea is born. "Aligned with international good practices, our business specialists could aid an entrepreneur from the stage of investigating the feasibility of the idea, to development of a practical business plan, to providing professional office facilities to operate from, to full guidance and mentorship during the execution of the business plan, whilst being exposed to business opportunities at the same time," says Patricia Dlamini, Manager of Maxum Incubator.
From new ideas to successful business concepts
Three innovative start-up businesses graduated from the Maxum Business Incubator this week, meaning they are now completely self-sustainable and financially viable businesses. They are Versec Systems cc, SkillPod Media (Pty) Ltd and Periseo (Pty) Ltd.
Versec Systems
Jan-Hendrik Otto, Managing Director of Versec Systems explains that as a student, he originally did part-time software development for security companies and as some of them returned for repeat business, it turned into a full-time occupation. When one of his associates who specialised in hardware suggested that they combine their areas of specialty, the need arose to develop a formal business. "The strength of our business lies in the fact that we can combine a number of different products into one tailor-made system that can be bought off the shelf," explains Otto. Recently, Versec made news through its collaboration with Tactile Technologies, that resulted in the pioneering creation of an access control system for secure estates, that even unskilled and computer illiterate security guards are able to operate. "Joining Maxum put us on the map," states Otto. "They gave us the right advice at the right time and put us in contact with the right clients."
SkillPod Media
Skillpod Media is a dynamic South African casual gaming company that has managed to successfully break into the highly competitive international gaming market. Skillpod has initiated groundbreaking online gaming solutions to major South African Web portals, such as IOL; Ananzi and Aardvark, and also offers an international gaming site, which is used by thousands of consumers of overseas countries, including the likes of the US and the UK. In addition, SkillPod is rapidly expanding into the multi-lingual mobile market. "When starting up a new business, one can be very isolated. What we have gained most from our involvement with Maxum Business Incubator, is the opportunity to soundboard with skilled mentors, brainstorming and bouncing ideas off them. It gives you a lot more confidence to proceed when you get confirmation of what you would like to do," states Mark van Diggelen, CEO of SkillPod Media. "Another great advantage of joining Maxum, is that you can decide one day to start your business, and walk into a professional place of work set up the very next day, with a receptionist and all the office facilities you need."
Periseo (Pty) Ltd
Periseo is an electronic engineering company, providing design, development and consultancy services for specialised technical concepts, suited for industries such as telecommunications; military and defence; aviation; agriculture; information technology; security and mining. "The idea behind starting the company was to overcome the limitations that corporate companies have in similar industries," states Dawie Janse van Vuuren, owner of Periseo. "When you're a small company and you see an opportunity or gap in the market, you can move to address that need much quicker," explains Van Vuuren. "We have for example recently developed a Smart Vehicle Harness which is currently being tested in military vehicles in Europe. And although this has not yet generated in sales, the footwork is done and we are getting noticed on an international level." Dawie is convinced that this is a result of the market exposure they have gained through Maxum Business Incubator. "The articles published by Maxum Business Incubator opened doors to big opportunities for us," he says. "In addition, the guidance and mentorship has given us the reassurance and confidence we needed to take our business forward."
"Although we are very grateful to have formed a part of the success of these companies, we are not really surprised about these results," says Dr Jill Sawers, Manager for Entrepreneurship at The Innovation Hub. "It has been internationally proven that incubation does not only improve the survival rate of new businesses, but fast-tracks their growth," she elaborates. "And Maxum Business Incubator is proud to form a community for such new creators of our future."
What does Maxum Business Incubator offer a start-up business?
* Flexible subsidised leases, with state-of-the-art meeting facilities; access to Knowledge Centre and pleasant lifestyle environment; and close proximity to the N1
* Comprehensive ICT infrastructure, including telephones, bandwidth, Internet and e-mail access and data storage facilities
* Advice from business mentors, venture capitalists and legal professionals - Maxum tenants are each allocated a business mentor who meets with the company at least once a month
* Networking with established companies and like-minded innovators through regular events organised by The Innovation Hub to which clients are invited: Pub@Hub, Power breakfasts, Kgotla (for Hub residents to share what they do), Izazi Entrepreneurs and seminars on effective business management
* Facilitated access to sources of funds through existing relationships with SPII, GEP, Innovation Fund and other appropriate funds
* Media exposure and brand support
If you have a new business idea or young business that promises technical innovation within segments of ICT; bioscience; electronics, advanced manufacturing and engineering, you are invited to apply to form part of Maxum Incubation Programme. For more information, contact Busi Ngwenya at +27 12 844 0033 or e-mail bngwenya@theinnovationhub.com
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