A programme designed to grow small businesses that specialise in the information and communications technology sector was launched in Kraaifontein last Tuesday.
Initiated by Kraaifontein non-profit The Daily Grind Innovation Hub, the incubation programme will give the selected entrepreneurs a chance to reformulate and grow.
“For the next five months they will be mentored while given access to new markets and supported by the Hub’s infrastructure,” says spokesperson Curtis-Lee Waterboer.
Through the mentorship initiative the businesses will also be assisted in applying for funding with both the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) and National Youth Development Agency (Nyda).
“The past two years have been devastating due to the pandemic, but it has shown that there is an entrepreneurial spirit in all of us and could play a positive role in our country’s economy in the long term,” says Chester Alexander, business development officer at The Daily Grind.
The Daily Grind Innovation Hub was founded in Kraaifontein in 2019, with a vision to transform entrepreneurial concepts in underserved communities into sustainable businesses that are drivers of economic growth.
Much focus fell on youth and women-owned businesses.
Over the past year several programmes were presented that include a coding programme to enable youth to build apps and websites and a 3D printing cohort to provide experience in this field.
“Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across South Africa represent more than 98% of businesses.
“Building small businesses that contribute to the economy and create jobs is one of South Africa’s biggest development opportunities.
The Daily Grind’s main source of income is from government funding and corporate investment, with the aim to become sustainable in the next three years,” says CEO Dominique Adonis.
