ICT Incubation programme launches for Western Cape businesses

Innovator Trust has partnered with Maven Solutions to invite Western Cape ICT-based businesses to participate in the 2021/2022 ICT Incubation Programme. 

The programme aims to drive economic growth and development in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector.

The closing date for the Incubation Programme round is 30 November 2020

Innovator Trust is an enterprise development organisation that focuses on providing opportunities for black female-owned SMEs and highly potential small businesses with an innovative business model and a driven entrepreneur.

ICT-based businesses are equipped with skills to further grow their business. 

In an official press release, Bertram Richards, a 25-year veteran in the ICT and business development arena, explains that the incubation programme is tailored to support the needs of participating businesses. 

“This hands-on, very personal, and adaptive support program delivers value by designing interventions and support around the business and the owner’s needs, values, culture, and ambition. We match the energy and enthusiasm of the owner every single step. It’s a partnership with our team.”

ICT Incubation Programme

The incubation programme offers certified and accredited executive coaching to ICT business participants conducted by business experts mentor participants. A range of business support services will be offered, such as human resources, legal insight, and an accounting team. Customized skills development, as well as advisory services that are based on the needs of the business, will be offered. The programme aims to support funding applications for businesses to expand.

Tashline Jooste, CEO of the Innovator Trust explains that the selected participants must show potential for growth as they aim to accelerate the ICT sector with promising businesses.

“Through our programmes, we want to make a significant contribution to the growth and development of businesses in the ICT sector. We are unique in our strict criteria for entry as we look for the businesses that show potential to succeed by offering them the opportunity to be part of a known, respected, and tailored Enterprise Development Programme.”

Previous graduates that participated in the Western Cape Incubation programme includes Software Development firm Dikoko Technologies that specialises in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and machine learning, Bilionetworks, and Effective Telecommunications that specialise in telecommunications and IT infrastructure along with Quickloc8 which is a taxi management platform. 

Entry requirements for ICT Incubation Programme

Interested applicants must abide by the following requirements: 

• Businesses must be an SMME that is at least 51% black-owned
• SMMEs must be ICT-focused which includes software, hardware, Digital Media Services, Software as a service (SaaS), and Infrastructure.
• Must be operating for a minimum of two years

Beverly Knoesen, Director at Maven Solutions, explains the importance of supporting ICT-based businesses to accelerate the ICT sector.

“From our experience, we know that growing businesses flourish when they are supported with comprehensive programmes that focus on the individuals within a company and their business. There’s no doubt that development is central to the growth of not only the ICT sector but our economy as well.”

Read more: FSAT Labs to host incubation programme in 2021
Read more: Nigerian startups apply for Startup North East Virtual Incubation programme

Featured Image: Annie Spratt via Unsplash