Page 39 - CSERI Annual Review Report 2023/2024

DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME GRADUATION
On October 26, 2023, the Centre for Social Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CSERI) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted its Entrepreneurship Programme graduation at the Botanic Gardens for 46 entrepreneurs. The event was a celebration of the dedication and commitment of the entrepreneurs who had completed the 12-month incubation programme.
The programme director for the graduation was Ms. Snelisiwe Hlongwane, CSERI Marketing and Communication officer. Ms. Hlongwane began by introducing Mr. Solomon Nyamurima, Director: Centre for Social Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator at DUT. Mr. Solomon gave a warm welcome to all the esteemed guests and entrepreneurs in attendance.
In his speech, Mr. Solomon congratulated the 46 entrepreneurs for completing the incubation programme. He said, “These entrepreneurs have shown incredible commitment, and we are confident that they will go on to achieve great things. Together they have sustained 207 jobs, created 60 new jobs and a total turnover of R167 million.”
The Incubation Programme commenced in September 2022 and concluded in September/October 2023. The SMMEs that participated in the programme were from various sectors, including the food and beverages industry, furniture and general use products, clothing, leather and textiles products, beauty and personal care products, petroleum and chemical products and hygiene products and construction.
The SMMEs received training, support, and development according to their sectoral needs. They were sent to radio interviews, exhibitions, given access to funding, linked to markets, and more.
The senior manager at Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), Mr. Sandile Longwe said that he was delighted to be part of this special day and that entrepreneurs should be proud of themselves for completing the programme and being an entrepreneur.
There were also different stakeholders who were there to inspire the entrepreneurs. Ms Mxoliseni from Bizfarm, innobiz DUT Manager from Ms. Ngcobo, SEFA Regional Manager, Mr. Mkhwanazi, eThekwini Municipality Business Support manager Ms. Gojo, Mr Clark from Action Coach, Ms. Breiling from Funding Connection, Dr. Bester from ProductivitySA, WR&SETA Regional manager Ms. Zwane, Mr Khanyile from FNB manager, Ms. Magcakini from ABSA, Mr Adam from Leaped, Mr Reid and Mr Ross from Business Network International, Mr Sibisi from Bizfarm and Dr Pillay from DTLI.
The event proceeded with different business owners who were on the programme sharing their experience of being incubated at the DUT-CSERI. They shared how they faced difficulties and what kept them going. They also shared the motivation they had which helped them to grow their businesses with the assistance of the incubator.
Mr. Clark of Action Coach generously sponsored 5 tickets to the Business Building Masterclass for the top-performing businesses on the programme. Mr. Ross of Business Network International also generously offered a 1-year membership to his organisation to one of the entrepreneurs. These generous sponsorships will allow our entrepreneurs to learn from world-class experts, network with other successful business leaders, and grow their businesses.
The winners of the PITCH MY BUSINESS competition was also awarded during the graduation ceremony. The winning companies were Iphakade lami, Phil fabulous beauty& nails, Isihlonti enterprise, Sipho’s daughter, Nolanga Trading, Soduko consultants, Weblogical, Crossill Investmenst, Somlomo Tours, Albert Pharmacy.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Ms. Hlophe, who thanked all the guests for their support and expressed her confidence in the entrepreneurs’ future success.
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