Hub joins celebration of entrepreneurship at Tshwane Youth Conference

As part of its mandate to encourage entrepreneurial activities in Tshwane, The Innovation Hub participated as an exhibitor in the Tshwane Youth Conference, which took place at the Pretoria City Hall on 8 and 9 June this year.

Nkhulu Maboya of The Innovation Hub talking to the delegates at the Tshwane Youth Conference about entrepreneurship and how The Innovation Hub is supporting start-up businesses.

Conference delegates discussing their interest in and understanding of being entrepreneurial and the challenges of starting up small businesses.

As the first event of its kind for the youth of Tshwane, organised by the Department of Social Development, it is hoped that this Youth Conference will become an annual event to help celebrate June as youth month and expose youngsters to career opportunities.

The Innovation Hub's Nkhulu Maboya interacted with delegates and spoke to them about the importance of entrepreneurship in science and technology, and the role that The Innovation Hub, as Africa's first internationally accredited Science Park, is playing in providing supporting measures to nurture high-tech entrepreneurs and start-up companies to grow their businesses and develop and commercialise innovative ideas in the field of science and technology.

The Umsombovu Youth Fund, represented by Tshepo Makole, also participated in the event and gave delegates an insight and better understanding of the availability of funds for entrepreneurs who were willing to work hard to venture into small businesses. This was supported by Kgare Lefoka of the National Federation of Chambers of Commerce, who confirmed that commitment and innovative thought were attributes that trigger the interest of venture capitalists when evaluating the merits of innovative ideas for funding.

Concluding the conference on an inspirational note, Nkhulu Maboya provided delegates with entry forms for a business plan competition sponsored by First National Bank with prizes that amount to a total of R10 million. Inspiration enough to get those innovative ideas flowing!

Download the competition application form.

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