This brief story relates to their entrepreneurial journey from 2015, culminating in a successful application for funding in March 2020. This funding will position them strategically for growth into the next few years.

In February 2015, after years of experience in the engineering industry and working in various roles / positions for a number of engineering companies, Warren Davids registered his own company as he realised that he could create much more value in the engineering market and industry. Warren obtained his qualification in Fitting and Turning from False Bay TVET College in 2001 and his Red Seal certification from Northlink College in 2012, and is currently the Operations Director of WHD Engineering (Pty) Ltd.

Olga obtained her degree in business administration from Stellenbosch University in 2006 and worked for Absa Bank for 11 years before joining WHD Engineering (Pty) Ltd in May 2017 as Managing Director. Their business services include Precision Engineering; General Engineering; Sales and Reconditioning of industrial geared motors and Environmental Management (recently incorporated in the business).

The CFERI programme assisted a great deal to increase productivity of all their employees, including herself by motivation and continuous training and implementing the knowledge gained into the day-to-day operations of the business as well as improvement of innovation.

It assisted with a deeper understanding of her role of being a co-owner, changing management skills to leadership skills which directly impacted in boosting personal and staff morale and created a more enjoyable work environment and dynamic team. She personally gained the ability to set business goals and use the organizational skills to focus their energies to take the business to the next level.

One of the biggest challenges, Olga recounts, is  being able to overcome self-doubt; this is a necessary quality as an entrepreneur and having family and friends who knows and supports your goals through the darkest days surely motivates you on your path to business success.

“Being a female entrepreneur, especially with no engineering degree in a male dominated industry is very challenging and tough, but is an equally rewarding experience and taught me self-discovery and how to believe in myself. The only way to  gain respect from clients and suppliers is to get your hands dirty and show you’re willing to learn and do whatever it takes. As women, we need to encourage other women to follow their dreams and share our experiences so that we can learn from each other – this is how we grow personally and professionally.”

 Olga and Warren spent much time in 2019 seeking appropriate funding. In the face of many “rejections”, they persevered. Early applications were not approved but they persevered into late 2019. Finally, in March this year, they received a loan/grant.   The facility awarded is in the amount of R2.2 million of which R860k is a grant and R1.34 million loan portion. This funding will be used for the purchase of Machinery (Lathes/Milling machines and delivery vehicles), as well as an input into cashflow.

As for advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, Olga says “Concentrate on your strengths; Take risks, even if you make a mistake; Stay positive and never give up. On a personal note – have Faith in God, yourself and your capabilities”

Issued by Steve Reid: Centre for Entrepreneurship | Rapid Incubator Manager

Events such as the annual Poster and Pitch Competition is a catalyst for the establishment of a hatchery of entrepreneurial ideas which support the vision of increasing youth participation in entrepreneurship.  False Bay TVET College is intentional about instilling a culture of entrepreneurship amongst the student population, getting them to think differently about entrepreneurship as a career of choice.

The Youth Entrepreneurship Expo and Poster & Pitch Competition creates such a platform for students and graduates to explore and showcase their business ideas. Each idea is evaluated against its economic potential and transferred from the hatchery to incubator for market penetration.

This year, seventy-five (75) students exhibited their ideas to secure seed capital to start their businesses. Growing on the previous year’s event success, participants included emerging SMME category as well as existing SMME category. The sponsors provided 5 prizes at R10 000 each for the businesses with an economic compelling market potential.

Organised by the Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CfERI) under the slogan, Start, Launch, Build your Business with us. The event was hosted at the College’s Khayelitsha Campus and brought together the entrepreneurial ecosystem which support aspiring young entrepreneurs with both financial and non-financial support.

Organisations such as SEDA, SEFA, IDC, Chamber of Commerce, Kuba, First National Bank, GCIS, Department of Labor, Services Seta, TSIBA and Future Managers participated in the event. These organizations provided their skills and expertise to evaluate and adjudicate 75 posters presented in the hatchery. The following 5 businesses each won R10 000.
The adjudicating stakeholders had a difficult task deciding the winners.

The top 3 winners from emerging concepts were:

1st Position:  Haadin Waggie – Adventures 4U: Manufacture, sell and hire out Kayaks.

2nd Position: Vivian Boyce – Econo Building: To combat the enormous challenge of township being plaque with fires. Design and manufacture recycle building material which is fire retardant.

3rd Position: Siphesihle Ngidi – 1994 Flavoured by design to set up a street food restaurant

Our top 2 winners from existing businesses:

1st Position:  Tenchwill Solomons – Born Free Construction focusses on providing specialist waterproofing and home renovations services.

2nd Position: William Raophala – Nala Juice Company- producing 100% natural juice

Yandisa Langa, the 2016 winner of the first Poster& Pitch competition was this year’s key note speaker and shared his journey of building a profitable agricultural business. He appealed to the participants to believe in themselves and to play an active role in creating a better future for all in South Africa by making the most of every opportunity that comes their way. Yapa Msezane, the 2018 Poster & Pitch winner illustrated the importance of putting in the hard work to bring their concept to reality. He stated that they must draw on partnerships to make their dreams a reality.

Besides the R10 000 seed capital for the 5 winners First National Bank made a surprise announcement to provide the top 3 winners with additional cash prices. They further committed themselves to provide non-financial support to the top 30 Poster & Pitch participants going forward of how to do their bookkeeping more efficiently plus analysis of their financial statements.

Feedback from the participants and stakeholders highlighted the importance of visibility and networking opportunities. Yama Coffee exhibit their concept as well sold their product to the delegates.

They commented “We definitely owe the CFE a huge thank you for encouraging us to enter the poster and pitch. It was an amazing experience, we learnt a lot and look forward to entering more competitions in the future.”

We strongly believe that igniting youth entrepreneurship is set to become a major focal area in the future strategy of TVET Colleges and it is very encouraging to see that our FBC have set a benchmark and framework for TVET Colleges to duplicate. Entrepreneurship is right at the nucleus of economic growth, and this is definitely an aspect of student development and skills training that we must continue to pursue.

Our vision for 2020 is to host a Western Cape Poster and Pitch Competition comprising of the 6 TVET colleges in Western Cape.

By Abraham Oliver: Centre for Entrepreneurship / Rapid Incubator Manager.  For more information about the Centre for Entrepreneurship \ Rapid Incubator go to www.falsebayincubate.co.za

 Wine industry body, Winetech and Africa’s biggest start-up event, the SA Innovation Summit, have launched a competition for agri-tech start-ups that are developing innovative solutions addressing key issues confronting wine producers.

The finalists of the competition will go through to the Winetech Pitching Den where they will pitch their start-ups to a panel of judges at the annual SA Innovation Summit, which is taking place in Cape Town on 11-13 September 2019.

The wine industry is ripe for disruption

Wine producers are experiencing increasing consumer demand for environmental sustainability. The competition is looking for disruptive, innovative, cost-effective and practical solutions for reducing the wine industry’s impact on the environment. At the same time, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain growth and profitability due to fluctuating climate conditions, increased minimum wages and rising fuel and water costs, among others. Over 66% of South African wineries are currently operating at a loss. The competition is looking for pioneering ways to use tech to rethink production methods and encourage stable growth for small and large industry participants.

The competition will focus on the following areas: climate change; water reclamation and resourcing; genetics; machine learning, AI and big data; and any other areas which increase efficiency, profitability and environmental sustainability.

Winetech Executive Manager, Mr Gerard Martin, says that the wine industry is ripe for disruption. “We are really excited to engage with start-ups which can bring novel and innovative ideas that can contribute to the competitiveness and sustainability of the South African wine industry.”

By connecting industry-ready innovations with wine producers, Winetech aims to boost the industry and help build a sector robust enough to withstand volatile economic and environmental climates.

Entries for the Winetech Pitching Den close on 9 June 2019.
For more information visit https://innovationsummit.co.za/winetech-pitching-den/

Since starting out in 2014, Mathapelo Montsho and Yolanda Nomoyi of Why Cook have made their mark in a highly competitive industry. Specialising in large or small event catering, corporate meals and private dinners, Why Cook pride themselves on menus that are quirky and different, and are always changing things up.

In this year’s SAB Foundation Thoalana Enterprise Programme Awards ceremony, the pair walked away with the prestigious Rocket Fuel Award, recognising the business that has shown the highest sustained income growth over the programme period.

Besides their obvious love for cooking, these two entrepreneurs are as inspired as much by offering employment opportunities to other young South Africans as they are by creating food that nurtures the soul.   

With a client list that includes the likes of Absa, e.tv, Giorgio Armani, L’Oréal and Airports Company South Africa, there’s no question that this dynamic duo is really cooking and they aren’t planning on slowing down anytime soon.

Career Planet salutes you – again!

This is done through a structured, two-year business support programme, seed-funding and assistance with access to markets.

Applications open once a year, with the businesses showing the most potential and commitment with about 60 new entrepreneurs being brought onto the programme per annum.

For the cream of the crop of the Class of 2017, this year got off to a winning start as recognition was given to those entrepreneurs who showed consistent commitment to the programme as well as those who further grew their businesses.

Tholoana Award  – Freddy Sibuyi was the overall winner, walking away with the the programme’s highest accolade. Freddy is the owner of Freddy and Sons, an electrical contracting, air conditioning and engineering consulting business in Mpumalanga.

Rocket Fuel Award – WhyCook
This award recognised the business that has shown the highest sustained income growth over the programme period.

Gold Star Award – Bakers Creationz 
This award recognised the business that has made full use of all elements of the programme.

Dream Participant Award – Filtospec
This award recognised the business that adhered diligently to all programme requirements completing all forms, surveys and reports within the deadlines.

Team Player Award Rushana Hartnick – Little Mermaids Swim School 
This award recognised the participant who provided positive inputs and always supported and guided others on how to make best use of the programme.

Media Champion Award – Phyto Pro
This award recognises the business that used social media effectively to drive growth and success in the business.

Entrepreneurial Award –  Eunimike Trading
A special award for the business that broke the mould and demonstrated courage to step into unknown territory and explore new opportunities.

Career Planet congratulates you all, Class of 2017!