Softstart - a business and technology incubator based in Pretoria which assists early-stage software entrepreneurs to grow sustainable businesses has launched a competition for students at Technikon Pretoria to develop the best Software business plan.
The prize? R 10 000 to get your business started and four months of free incubation services within the Softstart incubator on the CSIR Campus. So what is incubation? An incubator aims to assist innovative, early stage entrepreneurs with mentoring and support in the strategy and practice of growing a sustainable business. Key services provided by Softstart to the winner of this competition include venture coaching by experienced industry professionals, access to business networks, furnished "plug and play" office space on-site at Softstart's premises and shared resources such as reception and conference facilities, internet access, access to service providers and funding sources.
What defines an entrepreneur? An entrepreneur is anyone like you and I. They are not born - they develop through the acquisition of skills and experience including technical, business management and inter-personal skills. Before being able to reap the rewards of a successful enterprise a true entrepreneur is motivated enough to turn an innovative idea into a new venture and is willing to accept and manage risks. The Softstart - Technikon Pretoria business plan competition offers the opportunity for the winner to turn the commercial potential of their idea into a reality!
How does the Softstart Business Competition Work? Individuals or teams are invited to submit a business plan prepared by the entrepreneur/s that describes the business idea and commercial potential of the idea, as well as all the relevant external and internal elements involved in starting the new venture.
Any students at Technikon Pretoria may enter and the topic of the business plan must be software related. Teams working together on the business plan can present the multidisciplinary skill of the entrepreneurial team and may therefore include students from other faculties such as marketing, business management, design etc.
What will the competition judging criteria be? The judging of the competition will be based on the business and commercial potential of the idea as expressed in the business plan and on the quality of the core team. The judge's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
How do I enter? It is recommended that the business plan be written in the format suggested on the Softstart website: www.softstart.co.za > Resources> Library> Business Plan.
The format of the business plan should not be longer than 10 pages. The deadline for entries is Monday 13 October 2003 and should be delivered to Building 30, Room 381 on the Technikon Pretoria Campus. Enquiries should be addressed to Ms. W. Botha on Tel: 012 318 5645.
The winner will be announced at a Technikon Pretoria Gala Evening on Wednesday 29 October 2003.
I would like to know more about Softstart? Softstart is a software incubator established by the University of Pretoria, the Technikon Pretoria, and the CSIR. Softstart is supported by the GODISA Programme of the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Trade and Industry. It receives significant financial assistance from the European Union. Softstart's business and technology incubator is designed to improve enterprise performance, enhance profitability and growth and to offer technology and management support to SMME's to enable them to develop their innovations to full commercial potential.
Softstart will soon be opening a satellite office at the Technikon Pretoria which will enable Softstart to assist students in the evaluation of their business ideas and to offer an advisory role to guide and motivate young individuals to develop their entrepreneurial skills.
Individuals interested in receiving further information about Softstart and this competition are invited to contact Nicoli Koorbanally at Softstart on Tel: (012) 349 2355; Fax: (012) 349 2345 or nicoli@softstart.co.za or visit the website at www.sofstart.co.za
Share
Editorial contacts