Accelerated Entrepreneurship programme 2019 (#AEP 2019) was a 3-day initiative that aimed at developing businesses who are still on a start-up level and accelerating those who are already operating. The #AEP 2019 was held by the DUT Midlands Entrepreneurship Centre & Student Desk (DUT MEC) on 10 June – 12 June 2019.
“Doing research is paramount for student entrepreneurs in order for them to create sustainable and thriving businesses. Being ignorant is expensive, as one can lose many opportunities” said Nontokozo Ngcobo, the centre manager when she was welcoming student’s entrepreneurs on the first day of the programme. Invaluable, useful and mind-opening information was the main drive for #AEP 2019. Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship, Digital marketing tools, marketing principles, capital expenditure and business plan to mention a few, were the topics covered on the first day. The programme was a full package that was packed with both theoretical and practical information.
The second day instigated by a session from our very own DUT student, Lungisile Dube who is also the founder and CEO of Forward Slash an IT (Information Technology) company. He ignited and gave insight into student’s entrepreneurs on how to use Manager accounting software. Funding opportunities and lean canvas business model were also covered on this day. Entrepreneurs were ignited, trained and prepared for the Elevator pitch competition that was to take place on the last day of the programme.
The last day of the programme was about pitching and business skills transfer that was facilitated by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). Being elegant was the order of the day for the young optimistic entrepreneurs. The panel of judges consisted of well-versed people when it comes to the entrepreneurial space. This Includes Renish Moonsamy; Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), Lindokuhle Makhaye; Usizo IT group, Sabelo Thusi; Thusi Holdings, Nontokozo Ndlela; DUT department of Public Relations and Communication, Lorna McCullough; DUT Department of Applied Management and Nontokozo Ngcobo; DUT Midlands Entrepreneurship Centre & Student Desk.
The Elevator Pitch Competition initiated with a briefing session. Renish Moonsamy, the keynote speaker for the day, gave a presentation about the services that they offer at Technology Innovation Agency (TIA). Afterwards, the competition began. There were about 29 contestants for the Elevator Pitch Competition. The Competition was all about giving entrepreneurs relevant support that they require to sustain their businesses, hence external support was invited.
Sindisiwe Ndlovu
