Inside SME South Africa: The Digital Hub Powering South Africa’s Entrepreneurs
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6qFIam5ASjsoYlUJfHIXQg?si=kJhffwtZRma75j2efEkcaw
For over a decade, SME South Africa has played a pivotal role in equipping South African entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to thrive. Behind this mission is Velly Bosega, a digital media entrepreneur who transformed the platform into a go-to resource for the country's small business community.
In this episode of Connect South with Mashudu Modau, Velly shares how acquiring SME South Africa in 2014 was more than a business decision — it was a calling to serve. He dives into the platform’s evolution, from a traditional media brand to a dynamic digital ecosystem serving over 100,000 users a month.
We explore:
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What South African entrepreneurs really need today
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The role of content and community in supporting small business growth
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How SME South Africa is addressing systemic gaps in the ecosystem
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Why collaboration is the future of SME development
Whether you're building a digital platform, running a small business, or working to grow the entrepreneurial ecosystem in South Africa, this episode is full of insight, strategy, and inspiration.
Bridging the Digital Divide: How Microsoft is Empowering Entrepreneurs in South Africa
South Africa’s digital skills gap is a major challenge for entrepreneurs and small businesses. In this episode of Connect South, we speak to Lebogang Luvuno, B-BBEE Executive at Microsoft South Africa, about how Microsoft is investing in the future of entrepreneurship through digital skills development, enterprise support, and access to market opportunities.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0vKvrjz06i3SgQeewwk1bh?si=nZpwwUIpQpCVpWJfKYu8Xw
We cover:
- Microsoft’s R1.3 billion investment in digital skills and black-owned businesses
- The role of AI and emerging technologies in entrepreneurship and job creation
- How small businesses can break into corporate supply chains
- The real impact of Microsoft’s programs, from rural tech training centers to enterprise development
If you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or passionate about South Africa’s digital future, this episode is packed with valuable insights. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe to Connect South for more conversations on South Africa’s startup ecosystem!
FURTHER: Empowering Impact Entrepreneurs to Drive Lasting Change
FURTHER is on a mission to empower Impact Entrepreneurs by equipping them with the essential skills, personal capacity, and connections needed to amplify their impact. Through their tailored programs and support, FURTHER helps entrepreneurs create sustainable solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
By focusing on the holistic development of entrepreneurs, FURTHER ensures they not only build profitable businesses but also drive positive social and environmental change. With access to a powerful network and valuable opportunities, Impact Entrepreneurs are positioned to make a significant difference in their communities and beyond.
Discover how FURTHER is shaping the future of impact-driven entrepreneurship at FURTHER.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/06IMPFqa2YnarZI5ihmBVG?si=2Bmk-B9bRhSNt8OWDYE1Hg
IDF Capital: Empowering Black-Owned Businesses for Sustainable Growth
IDF Capital is a leading investment firm specializing in supporting black-owned, black women-owned, and black youth-owned entrepreneurial businesses. Their mission is to drive economic transformation by providing targeted financial support and resources to high-potential businesses that align with their vision.
Offering a diverse range of funding options—including capital, loans, quasi-equity, and equity funding—IDF Capital goes beyond traditional investment by providing bespoke non-financial business support. This includes strategic guidance and facilitating access to markets, ensuring that investee companies not only secure the funding they need but also have the tools to scale sustainably.
By focusing on earning a fair return on investments while prioritizing the growth of underrepresented businesses, IDF Capital is committed to empowering the next wave of entrepreneurial leaders in South Africa. Learn more about how IDF Capital is making an impact and helping businesses thrive at IDF Capital.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/48mJTPqv1KYpEAO0VcRFlG
MyDough: Empowering Entrepreneurs to Scale
MyDough is a dynamic incubator that supports startups and accelerates small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across South Africa. Through a blend of tailored growth programmes, MyDough equips entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and networks they need to succeed in today’s competitive landscape.
Focused on fostering innovation and business growth, MyDough’s initiatives are designed to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock new opportunities. By providing access to mentorship, training, and strategic guidance, MyDough plays a key role in empowering the next generation of South African business leaders.
Discover more about how MyDough is helping entrepreneurs scale their ventures and build sustainable businesses at MyDough.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6N5QggaG9M1zafRmqFU9s5
Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator: Tackling Youth Unemployment with Innovative Solutions
we delve into the inspiring work of Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, a not-for-profit social enterprise committed to tackling one of South Africa's most pressing issues – youth unemployment.
Harambee works closely with a wide range of partners to create solutions that help young people secure meaningful employment opportunities. Through innovative programs and strategic collaborations, they’re reshaping the future for thousands of youth across the country.
In this conversation, we’ll explore how Harambee’s work is making an impact, and how their unique approach to skills development and job creation is paving the way for a brighter future. Tune in to learn more about how Harambee is empowering the next generation of South Africans and how you can get involved.
Check out Harambee’s work in more detail here: Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1CK8X3me4DrqQtvNydmgda
R-Labs: Serving The Underserved
RLabs is dedicated to creating environments and systems that impact, empower, and transform individuals through hope, innovation, technology, training, and economic opportunities. By harnessing the power of technology and community-driven solutions, RLabs aims to equip people with the skills and resources they need to unlock their full potential.
With a focus on creating lasting change, RLabs provides a platform for individuals to learn, grow, and thrive, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across communities. Through their diverse initiatives, RLabs is helping to build a brighter, more inclusive future for people from all walks of life.
Learn more about RLabs and their transformative work at RLabs.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0fWLan1XBgdrDZS3qwbUDN?si=WGOb9H12TZuLg39oafdzcA
The Masisizane Fund: Driving Enterprise Development for Sustainable Growth
The Masisizane Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa. Focused on reducing poverty, inequality, and unemployment, the Fund provides both development and commercial financing, as well as comprehensive business support to help businesses grow and thrive.
With a specific focus on Black-owned businesses, women, youth, and people with disabilities, the Masisizane Fund is committed to fostering inclusive entrepreneurship. By targeting SMMEs with the resources they need to establish and scale their businesses, the Fund is playing a crucial role in driving economic empowerment and creating sustainable impact across South Africa.
Learn more about how The Masisizane Fund is supporting SMMEs and contributing to South Africa’s economic growth at Masisizane Fund.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3sYUqmrVAznm3VrKSl2S6p?si=Rp4D55h6RHC5gdK3iViScg
Global Startup Awards: Recognising Startup Excellence
Global Startup Awards create a platform for connecting, promoting, and showcasing the startup and entrepreneurs ecosystem in the respective region but also to the global scene through communication/PR, a competition, and event activities. Learn more here https://www.globalstartupawards.com/about-gsa
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1TMa0PXuPqMgLMzz3GD0jq?si=bA9X40MkS3uG2EFd3PIr3A