Join UCT GSB Solution Space 2020 E-Track Programme for entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs are encouraged to join cohort two of the 2020 E-Track Programme, a three-part venture acceleration programme aimed at supporting individuals or teams to build scalable businesses. 

Applications for the innovative programme close on 24 July 2020

The University of Cape Town’s GSB Solution Space has partnered with MTN Group to launch a programme that not only promotes entrepreneurship but also acts as a platform for corporate partners to engage and collaborate.

During the programme, entrepreneurs will be given an opportunity to learn how to launch and scale a business, build a team, create a prototype and verify how a unique product or service could be developed further. 

Through the programme, attendees will be able to gain access to a vibrant ecosystem of entrepreneurs, investors, mentorship and advisory services provided through corporate partners. 

Andre Strydom, Founder & MD of Activity Hub, who is also part of the Venture Exploitation Programme comments on the programme. 

“The UCT GSB Solution Space has generously provided us with a wealth of experience, insights and resources from selected businesses positioned to help me succeed. This combined with a genuinely caring in-house team keeping tabs on progress, motivating and just being there, is absolutely priceless. None of which would have been available without the support of the Solution Space. A definite recipe for success!.” 

The programme has a record of resulting in a number of ventures becoming successful with entrepreneurs gaining the foundation of knowledge to hit the ground running with their innovative ideas and concepts. 

Thabang Phoku, CEO of CiTTA explains how the programme benefited the startup. 

“The programme has helped us gain traction and reach milestones we had for the business much quicker than anticipated. We entered the programme two months ago with just a business idea but now we have a business model and are starting the process of developing an MVP. The programme has helped us immensely in knowing which steps to take and supports us along the way”, he said. 

Eero Tarjanne, General Manager: Ecosystem Development at MTN Group explains that the aims of the programme are two-fold as it will also promote the growth of digital and mobile financial service based ventures. 

“The programme is a key MTN initiative to help scale promising ideas or teams in the Digital and Mobile Financial Services space in order to create and stimulate an ecosystem leveraging various MTN platforms. It also aims to identify and attract top talent,” he said. 

The programme 

The programme will be held in three phases: 

• A five-week pre-selection Venture Launch Programme to explore the problem addressed and find a solution 
• A 12- week Venture Exploitation Programme to validate product-market fit
• A 12-week partner-based Venture Scale Programme which will aid entrepreneurs to design scalable business models. 

Entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply and submit an online application or email solutionspacewaterfront@gsb.uct.ac.za by 24 July 2020.

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