The first of a series of monthly startup events dubbed #GetStarted2015 is to take place on January 26 in Johannesburg, South Africa, with the series intended to address the problems and challenges faced by startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa.
Each month’s event will focus on a particular theme pertinent to entrepreneurs in South Africa, with the inaugural event revolving around the challenges in starting up a business – whether these lie in the failure to move on from the planning phase, a lack of support, or failure to connect with the right partners.
According to the organisers, My Startup Edge, the #GetStarted2015 series was prompted by the increasing numbers of young people interested in pursuing entrepreneurship, but hindered in their progress by a lack of information and support.
“Truth is there is an increasing interest from the youth to start their own businesses, however due to lack of information and support they start businesses on a survivalist’s approach, based on which their businesses will not be scalable and within two years will fail,” the organisers told Disrupt Africa.
“We hope to provide tools and equip founders from idea to the exit. As an addition, we need have these events as a way to gauge our progress as South Africa and as the African continent.”
The events are also intended to serve as a networking opportunity bringing together like-minded entrepreneurs with established industry players and experts.
The first event will feature talks by guest speakers including Phakiso Tsotetsi, Justin Coetzee and Paul Smith.
In addition to hosting talks by industry experts, the events will see startups pitch their ideas to the audience and gain feedback and assistance in solving any issues they have identified – with Johannesburg-based GemProject to be the first startup to take to the stage.
The first event will take place from 5.30pm on January 26, at the Bannister hotel in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
Those interested can sign up for free tickets via the #GetStarted2015 website.
