“If you haven't succeeded in business, it's because you haven't asked,” stated Colleen Larsen from Women in Finance, who co-hosted the Global Business Incubation Day Celebration with Maxum Business Incubator at The Innovation Hub on Monday evening, 8 December 2008. Technology entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators all gathered here to exchange ideas, share opportunities, and create a basis from which future deals can be sealed. This was one of many events that took place on the same day, in more than 57 countries, and were attended by close to 2 000 people worldwide, to celebrate the successes of business incubation on an international level.
The event took place in a round-table format, with each table being hosted by a key role-player from the industry that could add tremendous value for its business guests. There was Dr Jill Sawers, Manager Entrepreneurship at The Innovation Hub; Neo Rampa, Centre Manager at Mabopane Enterprise Development Centre (Absa Division); Robert Jewell of Accounting for Entrepreneurs; Brian Carl Brown of Blue Catalyst; Sarah Keely of Acqumine; and Patricia Dlamini, Manager at Maxum Business Incubator at The Innovation Hub. Each guest was invited to introduce him/herself, the nature of the business and establish some common areas of interest, which were then explored in more detail. After that, everyone moved to a different table for further discussions with a new group of contacts. “It's almost like speed dating,” laughed Larsen. “But we were just speed networking, with the intention of identifying potential relationships that could aid us in business.”
Also represented at this prestigious event were guest from the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), members of the Southern Africa Business Technology Incubator Network, and other small enterprise support agencies.
As the evening progressed, it quickly became clear that a lot of assistance is available for entrepreneurs and young start-up companies in the technology, biosciences and engineering arena. You just have to know where to ask.
How to jump-start your technological business at a fraction of the usual cost
During the course of the evening, Sawers conducted a presentation on The Innovation Hub and particularly emphasised the benefits of getting involved with the Business Incubation Programme offered by Maxum Business Incubator. This programme is specifically designed to assist and develop entrepreneurs or small start-up businesses in the information and communication technology industry, or within any of the scarce knowledge-intensive sectors such as biosciences; electronics or engineering, until such time that they have grown into profitable businesses. “The whole idea is to increase the survival rate of new companies from 20% to at least 80%, and with a track record to boot, we can proudly say that so far we have succeeded in our objective,” explained Sawers.
The level of this assistance from Maxum Business Incubator could vary, but is available from right where a new 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. “Best of all is that any new enterprise that joins the Incubation Programme, could be set up fully to commence business within one to three days, while not having to incur the usual huge expenses that accompany the start-up of any new company.”
To find out more about the Maxum Business Incubator and what it offers, visit http://www.maxum.co.za, contact Busi Ngwenya at +27 12 844 0033 or e-mail maxum@theinnovationhub.com
Linking with institutions that could help grow your business
Guests were exposed to a host of information, business aids, resources and potential funds that could help convert smart ideas into profitable businesses. This included the likes of SEDA, whose representative Thandi Nkosi, a specialist in export promotion, invited everyone to make use of the grants and facilities that support new businesses. She explained how the institution trimmed down on lengthy application forms and streamlined processes to make it more accessible for all entrepreneurs, even the ones who are just starting up and do not have all the logistics in place yet. “We do not discriminate in any way. Whether you are a man or a woman, black or white, any person with a valid idea that can make a contribution to the economy, is welcome to apply for grants or assistance.” For more information, visit http://www.seda.org.za or e-mail tnkosi@seda.org.za
Blue Catalyst is another company that can open doors that are otherwise inaccessible. As a development intervention by the Gauteng Provincial Government, it has been purposefully designed to promote the successful commercialisation of sustainable start-up technology and knowledge-based businesses by showcasing and encouraging smart entrepreneurship throughout Gauteng and in South Africa. In fact, the Blue Catalyst unique product model provides new businesses with immediate access to a diverse network of highly qualified advisors that will put them in touch with the right people at the right time. “One of the most common problems that exists is that entrepreneurs simply do not now where to go to for help,” explains Brian Carl Brown, COO of Blue Catalyst. For more information on Blue Catalyst's services, you may visit http://www.bluecatalyst.co.za
As a dynamic non-profit organisation that exists to promote women in business, Women in Finance empowers women and all small businesses, not only in financial literacy and finances, but also in all areas of commerce. Its support structures include networking, role-modelling and mentorship, increase of accessibility and training. For more information, visit www.womeninfinance.co.za
Be exposed to business opportunities and contacts
The Global Business Incubation Day was just one of many such networking events that are organised by The Innovation Hub. “Apart from being exposed to these opportunities through the Business Incubation Programme, we also have the Innov8 Community. Members comprise an influential network of knowledge economy role-players, including academics, researchers, investors, financiers, business professionals and entrepreneurs. These networking events create opportunities to share ideas and problem-solving processes, by drawing on the combined talents of many individuals and organisations with common interests, goals and activities, who co-operate for mutual benefit.
“We received excellent feedback from businesses that managed to forge powerful partnerships through such networking events in the past. And once again people have departed from The Global Incubator Day with invaluable information and contacts, and it served as a platform from which technological businesses will be elevated into exciting future possibilities,” states Sawers. All you need to join the Innov8 Community and be notified of any such events, is send your business details to innov8@theinnovationhub.com
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