Boot camp improves business skills of Alex entrepreneurs

Thirty entrepreneurs from Alexandra recently honed their business skills at a weekend boot camp at the Industrial Development Corporation in Sandton.

The boot camp taught entrepreneurs about pitching a great or innovative idea to potential funders or investors. Known as the Start-Up Weekend Alex, the project was designed to uplift start-up businesses through mentoring and skills development, in order to move them to another level.

The boot camp was held on the weekend of 27 to 29 March. Throughout the weekend, the entrepreneurs were equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to help them grow successful businesses.

On the final day, the entrepreneurs had a chance to pitch their ideas and the judges then chose what they considered to be the best idea. David Dube, the ‘electrical doctor’ from A+ Pty Ltd, who solves the community’s electrical problems, was chosen as the winner of the day.

As the winner of the Start-Up Weekend Alex, the Alex chamber awarded Dube free membership for the year. Entrepreneurs who came second and third were given business support and development, while a start-up business in media and marketing won itself the opportunity to become an Adreach outdoor media partner.

Steve Jourdan, director of the Adreach Foundation, said he will take the media and marketing entrepreneur under his arm and offered the company full support as it endeavours to develop the company and take it to the next level.

Mamiki Matlawa, managing director of the Greater Alexandra Chamber of Commerce, said the Start-Up Weekend will move to other townships in future to uplift entrepreneurs with innovative ideas across South Africa.