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The City of Ekurhuleni is looking forward to increase the participation of residents in the economy by instilling a culture of entrepreneurship through capital assistance, mentorship and business incubation.
This is according to metro spokesperson Themba Gadebe.
He said the City calls all entrepreneurs to submit their business ideas online and stand a chance to pitch them for prizes that will boost their business operation. Entries close on Friday, November 1 at 4.30pm.
“The Pitching Booster and Festival of Ideas propel SMMEs to be key players in the economy and creates employment opportunities in Ekurhuleni,” said Gadebe.
“The Pitching Booster is aimed at youth-owned businesses, while the Festival of Ideas is targeting all enterprises and cooperatives that have been in operation for more than three years. The programmes entail emerging entrepreneurs submitting their innovative ideas to be adjudicated by a panel of judges.”
Who is eligible for Pitching Booster programme?
The applicant must:
- Be between the ages of 18 and 35 years
- Have SA citizenship /permanent residence
- Must be willing to attend entrepreneurship development training should the applicant not have entrepreneurial or business management background and/or qualification
- All members of the business entity must be between the ages of 18 to 35 years
- The business should be 100 per cent youth owned
- The business should be operating within the City of Ekurhuleni
Who is eligible for the Festival of Ideas programme?
The applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Have SA citizenship /permanent residence
- Be willing to attend mentorship and coaching sessions
- The business should be operating within the City of Ekurhuleni
- The business should be three to five years in operation within the City of Ekurhuleni.