Following the launch of the MultiChoice Innovation Fund last week in KwaZulu-Natal, the second in a series of regional seminars around this exciting new funding and development initiative took place in Cape Town today.
MultiChoice Group, in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism, as well as WESGRO hosted entrepreneurs and SMEs under the theme of ‘Spurring a culture of innovation within the SME segment of South Africa’. The seminar aims to further the goals of the Innovation Fund by driving innovation in the tech and video entertainment sector and unearthing entrepreneurs with unique business ideas.
“The video entertainment industry – and indeed the world as we know it – is on a fascinating digital trajectory and we need to ensure that we are ahead of the pack if the continent’s entertainment industry is going to continue to grow and be globally competitive,” says Calvo Mawela, MultiChoice Group CEO.
“We hope that our Innovation Fund will spur original thinking and exciting new ideas that will lead to breakthrough moments for emerging entrepreneurs.”
The aim of the regional seminars is to extend the reach of the Innovation Fund to black entrepreneurs across the country. The seminars also provide a platform to identify business prospects, understand unique challenges and highlight the various funding and business development opportunities.
This second seminar still presents a great opportunity to meet with key stakeholders, network with fellow entrepreneurs and learn about trends in the ICT and media sectors, both nationally and globally.
The one-day seminar includes exciting and inspiring presentations by various speakers, namely, Tim Parle, Chief Director: Digital Economy at the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism, James Milne, Head: Investment Promotions at WESGRO, Jade Wyngaardt, Founder of ClickAfrica, as well as Reggy Moalusi, Executive Head Corporate Affairs for MultiChoice South Africa.
In her address, Wyngaardt encouraged the entrepreneurs in attendance to never give up. “We face so many challenges. There are going to be people in your entrepreneurial journey that will tell you to terminate your dreams, but when that “no” comes, just push it out the door. Remain hungry, remain relentless,” she said.
“By investing in and developing entrepreneurs with innovative businesses ideas, MultiChoice is helping to shape the industries of the future,” concludes Mawela.
