Wanted: entrepreneurs under 40 to take to Israel, must love startups

Arguably, the best access any entrepreneur can have is access to the world. Access to new markets, possible trade partners and the ability to understand the startup landscape and consumer market beyond their borders.

This is what MyStartUp and the South Africa-Israel Forum, with the support of the Entrepreneurship Development Trust as well as Investec, are trying to do. The idea is to take 12 South African entrepreneurs on a one-week trip to Israel.

“[The aim is to] introduce the group to their Israeli and international peers, with the hope that they will do business together,” says Dan Brotman, Executive Director South Africa-Israel Forum. “…Promote doing business with South Africa and expose the group to best practices in their specific field, which we hope they will convey to others upon returning home.”

The consortium is looking for entrepreneurs from all sectors, so anyone can apply. However, in order to be eligible to apply, the applicant must be under the age of 40, a South African citizen and self-employed for a minimum of three years.

“The Entrepreneurship Development Trust’s mandate is to develop black South African entrepreneurs and MyStartUp focuses on creating a culture of entrepreneurship amongst South Africa’s youth,” says Brotman.

A trip like this will indeed open up both South African and Isreali entrepreneurs to a network of mentors as well as facilitate the cross-pollination of ideas.

Brotman says it is a great opportunity to “expose the group to models of engagement in Israel driven by entrepreneurs”.

“Both between business and government and small and big business. As well as expose the group to academic programmes in Israel in the field of entrepreneurship, as well as bursary opportunities to study at these institutions.”

Applications close on the 30th of May, so go apply now.