Black entrepreneurs stand a chance to with R500k in TechAccel Programme

Johannesburg’s Tshimologong Precinct and IBM have opened applications for their three-month long TechAccel Programme, which aims to assist black tech entrepreneurs. The startup with the winning idea can take home R500 000 in investment.

The programme will offer incubation, development support, training, coaching and mentorship.

Applications close on 15 May.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted on 19 May and the programme runs from 2 June to 31 August 2020.

Applications for the TechAccel Programme close on 15 May

The ideal candidate is a black entrepreneur who has an existing company that offers IT solutions, has an existing footprint with large clients and generates between R3-million and R10-million per year from such clients.

Candidates should have the opportunity to increase their own offering or products to these corporates and the ability to get certified in reselling IBM solutions.

The programme will also consider entrepreneurs who may not have begun generating revenue yet but are busy creating new innovations in tech products using tech such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, cloud, blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Such applicants must be able to demonstrate the potential for scale and must also be able to get trained and certified in offering IBM solutions to clients.

R500k prize

The programme will conclude with a pitching competition where the winner will be awarded a R500 000 investment. To win the competition, the entrepreneur must demonstrate:

• How the investment will be used to grow their business.
• More on their growth trajectory, which must be based on predictable financials, demonstrating an increase in revenue.
• What their technology requirements such as internal operations and product scaling are.
• Why the judging panel at IBM must invest in their development and offer the prize to the business.

Featured image: Tshimologong Precinct via Facebook