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E4 VUTHELA ICT STARTUP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

About the programme

Initial programme activities began in February 2023 with the call for applications advertised through the Vuthela and partner databases of ICT students in the iLembe district. The initial responses were poor from the stakeholder databases where the advertisements were shared. A decision was made to use other platforms such as the Tushiyah database and iLembe local media houses. Through targeting additional platforms, 40 applications have applied. 20 Beneficiaries have showed interest and attended to pitch their business or business idea in March 2023.

A total of 13 of the 20 participants completed the programme in July 2023. Programme participants that completed the programme attended 100% of the mentoring sessions scheduled and on average 97% of the 6 training sessions scheduled. The specialised needs support fund has been dispersed, with equipment and other IT related items handed over to participants at the certification ceremony.

What Tushiyah did

A develpoment programme was introduced, which consisted of of an intensive six-month training and mentorship initiative orchestrated by Tushiyah and Vuthela, funded by fintech specialist e4.

The programme aimed to impart comprehensive guidance and mentorship to ICT start-ups situated in the iLembe district of KwaZulu-Natal, empowering participants to achieve their objectives. Of particular significance was the provision of crucial technical resources to these entrepreneurs, including laptops and power supply backup systems, which are essential for supporting a business as it continues to grow. This resource allocation was customised to suit the specific needs of each beneficiary‘s business. The coordinated efforts of Tushiyah‘s business advisor, team and the Programme Management Office (PMO) ensured that these beneficiaries were not just equipped, but also positioned for success in the ICT sector.

The responses from the selected startups emphasise the importance of such comprehensive training initiatives in empowering entrepreneurs in the ICT industry and providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed.

What was the outcome?

Participants were requested to fill out and submit post programme evaluation and feedback after the certification ceremony. Each participant was asked to rate various areas of their experience on the programme.

It was exciting to see that ten out of the thirteen participating enterprises experienced growth with and increase in sales. Business Growth: Sales. Eight of these businesses have experienced and increase in revenue and five have secured new contracts. It was even more exciting to have four of the participating enterprises creating new employment opportunities. Participating enterprises had the following to say.

Value from Training:

“The training was excellent and informative.
“They left no stone unturned on every business role”.
“The training was on point.”
“The classes were very informative.”
“The trainers were excellent."

Value from Coaching

“The value of coaching was excellent, mainly because the Coach had a similar level of expertise as us and his only motivation was to help us become the best version of ourselves so we and the business can succeed.”
“The business Advisor was incredible. He did not only coach on the business aspects but also on my strengths. If it was not for him, I will still be in a zero income.”
“The coach gave us his all and even made face-to-face engagements.”

Value from Specialised Support fund

“We thank you for the level of support given to us sponsoring our business. Some of us didn’t have enough working material.”
“The sponsorship was really needed for our business”.