Start-up ventures on show

SEVENTEEN start-up businesses showcased their innovations and ideas to an audience of investors, government officials and business leaders at the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone’s (RBIDZ) Technohub last week.

The small businesses ranged from digital services, shoe making, recycling, aluminium fabrication, township delivery services to LED lighting, among others.

Oliver Petzoldt, who mentored the start-ups, said the Technohub has been home to 20 small businesses since it was launched as a centre for entrepreneurship in December by the Umfolozi Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, in partnership with German organisation Kreishandwerkerschaft Steinfurt Warendorf.

It has been providing opportunities for collaboration between individuals, academics, public and private sector organisations.

The facility has provided work space for the start-up teams and a platform for skills training in business, marketing, coaching, mentorship, competence assessment, access to business networks, as well as business development services.

‘This entire showcase was put together by the young entrepreneurs who have been working very hard on their ventures.

‘It is not a competition, but training and experience for them to share what they have been working on, submit their growth plans and market their businesses to the general public and industry professionals,’ Petzoldt said.

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