Western Cape entrepreneurs have an upcoming opportunity to pitch their business ideas to major funding bodies to secure a cash injection of at least R10 million.
The pitching session is part of the Western Cape Funding Fair, a joint initiative between the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism and Deloitte.
There are four days before the deadline for applications closes.
The inaugural Western Cape Funding Fair will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on 18 March 2015.
It will provide a unique platform for Western Cape-based bankable, sustainable, profit-seeking projects and businesses that require a minimum of R10 million in funding to connect with funders.
Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, has encouraged local entrepreneurs to apply for the pitching sessions.
“This is a great opportunity for our entrepreneurs to step into our own version of the Dragon’s Den and convince investors and funders to make big investments in their business. The successful entrepreneurs will receive at least R10 million. This will enable them to grow their businesses and employ more residents,” said Minister Winde.
To stand a chance to pitch, entrepreneurs must apply online by the end of this month (31 January 2015). The Western Cape Funding Fair comprises three elements, namely project pitches, entrepreneur-focused presentations and an exhibition on 18 March 2015:
- The top 50 qualifying entrepreneurs and project promoters will be given the opportunity to pitch their business propositions and funding requests to a panel representing major funding bodies. These sessions will be closed to the public.
- Topical entrepreneur-focused presentations will be held throughout the day and the full programme details are available on the website.
- Various funding institutions will exhibit at the Fair to promote their business products and network with other attendees.
The public may attend the topic presentations and exhibition free of charge, and are required to register via the official Western Cape Funding Fair website for access.
Qualifying projects will be contacted by 16 February 2015 and will be invited to attend preparation workshops in early March.
To apply, visit www.westerncapefundingfair.co.za or follow the conversation on Twitter via the hashtag #WCFundingFair.
Enqueries:
Bronwynne Jooste
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 060 970 4301
Email: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za
