The Innovation Hub’s mandate to advance the Gauteng City Region’s economy in an equitable and inclusive manner is dependent on the development and promotion of sustainable start-ups, it is for this reason that The Innovation Hub, the innovation agency of the Gauteng Province hosted yet another series of events, in support of Global Entrepreneurship Week, to offer support to innovators, and to afford entrepreneurs an opportunity to gain valuable tips.

Global Entrepreneurship Week is a celebration of innovators and entrepreneurs throughout the world and a platform that stimulates ideas, creates networks and inspires entrepreneurs in the development of their business.

Brief synopsis of events held:

1.Monday, 13 November 2017 to Tuesday, 14 November 2017: The Innovation Start-Up investment summit was hosted at The Innovation Hub, Lynwood Tshwane by The Innovation Hub’s Incubation Programmes (Maxum Business Incubator, Climate Innovation Centre South Africa and Biopark@Gauteng) and it afforded entrepreneurs an opportunity to network and interact with the best of South Africa’s leadership and business thought leaders.

2.Tuesday, 14 November 2017 to Wednesday, 15 November 2017: eKasi Summit themed Igniting Innovative Business eKasi was held at eKasiLab Mohlakeng and afforded entrepreneurs an opportunity to network with agencies such as SABS, Technology Innovation Agency, Gauteng Enterprise Propeller and Standard Bank. Using the tried and tested method of speed dating, the entrepreneurs engaged with eachother and at times identified opportunities for collaboration. The eKasiLabs programme is aimed at promoting the culture of Innovation and entrepreneurship in the township, with a specific focus on new innovative output in the community, in line with the Township Economy Revitalisation Provincial economic strategies.

3.Wednesday, 15 November 2017 themed “The Ultimate Access to Market Experience” was held at The Innovation Hub and sought to assist in raising the bar in the management of women owned businesses and foster collaboration by creating a platform that will enable government, corporates and the civil society to engage on business issues.