The Center for Social Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CSERI) hosted an Investor Pitch Session on the 12th of April 2023 at Botanic Gardens for soon-to-graduate entrepreneurs that are currently incubated. These entrepreneurs have been with the Center for the past 11 months, and their time in the center is coming to an end.
The center don’t offer funding, but link and expose entrepreneurs to funding institutions that have partnered with CSERI. During the investor pitch session, entrepreneurs were presented with a lifetime opportunity to pitch their businesses to investors, industry experts, financial institutions, such as FNB, Broll, Ithala, EThekwini Municipality, SEFA, EDTEA and others business associates to scale up their ventures. The pitch session was a culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and innovation. Each entrepreneur had 5 minutes to pitch their business, followed by a Q&A session with the panel of judges. The judges included seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts who provided valuable feedback and insights on how to improve the pitches.
The event was a huge success, and the entrepreneurs were ecstatic about the opportunity to present their businesses to potential investors. They were also grateful for the support and guidance provided by the Center throughout their incubation programme.
“We are thrilled to provide entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to take their businesses to the next level, including access to funding opportunities,” said the Center’s Manager, Mr. Solomon Nyamurima. “We believe in their potential and confident that they will make a significant impact in their respective industries.”
The Center’s incubation programme has been instrumental in helping these entrepreneurs turn their business into viable ventures. Through mentorship, networking, and access to resources, they have gained the skills and knowledge they need to succeed as entrepreneurs.
The following five businesses were highly rated by judges based on their pitch and presentation skills: 1st Weblogical Technology Enterprise, 2nd Croscill Investments, 3rd Albert Park Pharmacy, 4th Isihlonti Enterprise, and 5th Somlomo Tours and Excursions.
Entrepreneur Vusi Mbhele from Isihlonti Enterprises expressed his gratitude towards the Center for providing them with a remarkable opportunity to establish their businesses. “I want to express my gratitude to the Center for providing us with a wonderful and exceptional opportunity to establish our businesses. The previous year has been enlightening for me, and I am hopeful that we can continue to grow from here on. Today was a remarkable and satisfying experience. Thank you, and may God bless you.”
As the entrepreneurs embark on the next phase of their journey, the Center is committed to supporting them every step of the way. They will continue to provide guidance and access to funding opportunities to help them scale up their businesses and make a positive impact in their communities. Overall, the Inventor Pitch Session was a testament to the Center’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. It was an inspiring event that showcased the potential of these young entrepreneurs and the transformative power of entrepreneurship.
Pictured: Nolwazi Cele, Founder of Lorle Beauts
Photographer: Tshayile Media
Snelisiwe Hlongwane
