Advertise on podcast: Startup Guide South Africa

For over a decade, SME South Africa has played a pivotal role in equipping South African entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to thrive. Behind this mission is Velly Bosega, a digital media entrepreneur who transformed the platform into a go-to resource for the country's small business community. In this episode of Connect South with Mashudu Modau, Velly shares how acquiring SME South Africa in 2014 was more than a business decision — it was a calling to serve. He dives into the platform’s evolution, from a traditional media brand to a dynamic digital ecosystem serving over 100,000 users a month. We explore: What South African entrepreneurs really need today The role of content and community in supporting small business growth How SME South Africa is addressing systemic gaps in the ecosystem Why collaboration is the future of SME development Whether you're building a digital platform, running a small business, or working to grow the entrepreneurial ecosystem in South Africa, this episode is full of insight, strategy, and inspiration.

In this episode of Connect South, we sit down with Tsepo Petla, Head of Business Development at Telkom FutureMakers, to explore how this enterprise and supplier development program is empowering South African entrepreneurs. Tsepo shares insights on FutureMakers' decade-long journey in supporting ICT startups, township-based tech innovators, and black-owned businesses. From ideation to scaling, learn how FutureMakers is shaping the future of entrepreneurship through funding, incubation, and mentorship. We also discuss the impact of their Township Incubation Program, upcoming AI-focused accelerators, and how entrepreneurs can get involved.

South Africa’s digital skills gap is a major challenge for entrepreneurs and small businesses. In this episode of Connect South, we speak to Lebogang Luvuno, B-BBEE Executive at Microsoft South Africa, about how Microsoft is investing in the future of entrepreneurship through digital skills development, enterprise support, and access to market opportunities. We cover: Microsoft’s R1.3 billion investment in digital skills and black-owned businessesThe role of AI and emerging technologies in entrepreneurship and job creationHow small businesses can break into corporate supply chainsThe real impact of Microsoft’s programs, from rural tech training centers to enterprise developmentIf you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or passionate about South Africa’s digital future, this episode is packed with valuable insights. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe to Connect South for more conversations on South Africa’s startup ecosystem!

Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator is a not-for-profit social enterprise that works with partners to find solutions for the challenge of youth unemployment. Learn more here: https://www.harambee.co.za/ FOUNDERSSAUCE is a South African platform enabling access to resources for entrepreneurs and creators. Get tools to launch your startup or grow your business. Start Building https://founderssauce.com/

MyDough incubates startups & accelerates SMEs, using a combination of growth programmes designed to give entrepreneurs the skills and networks they need to succeed. Learn More: https://mydough.co.za/ FOUNDERSSAUCE is a South African platform enabling access to resources for entrepreneurs and creators. Get tools to launch your startup or grow your business. Start Building https://founderssauce.com/

IDF Capital specialises in investing in black owned, black women owned and black youth owned entrepreneurial business. IDF Capital provides capital, loan, quasi-equity and equity funding. They provide bespoke non-financial business support and we facilitates access to markets for the investee companies, while focusing on earning the required rate of return on investments. FOUNDERSSAUCE is a South African platform enabling access to resources for entrepreneurs and creators. Get tools to launch your startup or grow your business. Start Building https://founderssauce.com/

The Branson Centre is a venture studio that is changing business for good. They help companies, the suits, connect with entrepreneurs, the sneakers. So that together they can solve global challenges by building sustainable ventures. they do this through venture building and venture investing. Learn more; https://www.bransoncentre.co.za/ FOUNDERSSAUCE is a South African platform enabling access to resources for entrepreneurs and creators. Get tools to launch your startup or grow your business. Start Building https://founderssauce.com/

Global Startup Awards create a platform for connecting, promoting, and showcasing the startup and entrepreneurs ecosystem in the respective region but also to the global scene through communication/PR, a competition, and event activities. Learn more here https://www.globalstartupawards.com/about-gsa FOUNDERSSAUCE is a South African platform enabling access to resources for entrepreneurs and creators. Get tools to launch your startup or grow your business. Start Building https://founderssauce.com/

Startupbootcamp AfriTech is an accelerator designed to empower impact & sustainability startups. Connecting visionary Founders with conscious global corporations, their corporate leaders, as well as experienced mentors and impact investors. Learn more here; https://www.startupbootcamp.org/accelerator/afritech FOUNDERSSAUCE is a South African platform enabling access to resources for entrepreneurs and creators. Get tools to launch your startup or grow your business. Start Building https://founderssauce.com/

UNISA Ventures challenge provides an opportunity for registered students to pitch innovative ideas aimed at solving societal challenges. Learn more here; https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/myunisa/default/News/Articles/Cultivating-student-entrepreneurship-within-Unisa%E2%80%99s-innovation-ecosystem FOUNDERSSAUCE is a South African platform enabling access to resources for entrepreneurs and creators. Get tools to launch your startup or grow your business. Start Building https://founderssauce.com/

SAB Foundation provides funding for small, medium and micro-sized enterprises, in order to contribute to the economic and social empowerment of historically disadvantaged persons. This is done primarily by means of entrepreneurship development and with a priority focus on providing opportunities within small, medium and micro-sized enterprises for women, the youth, people in rural areas, as well as persons with disabilities. Learn more here https://www.sabfoundation.co.za/ FOUNDERSSAUCE is a South African platform enabling access to resources for entrepreneurs and creators. Get tools to launch your startup or grow your business. Start Building https://founderssauce.com/

Geekulcha is where the young, skilled, creative and ambitious tech minds meet to connect with each other, share knowledge, collaborate on projects, network with industry leaders, obtain training to further improve and enhance their skills and to put that newly acquired skill to work. The platform has over 27 000 techies and innovators across Africa. Learn more here: https://www.geekulcha.dev/ FOUNDERSSAUCE is a South African platform enabling access to resources for entrepreneurs and creators. Get tools to launch your startup or grow your business. Start Building https://founderssauce.com/

The Masisizane Fund is dedicated to providing Enterprise Development to small, medium, and micro enterprises in South Africa. We accomplish this through Development and Commercial Financing as well as Business Support, targeting our funding towards Black-owned businesses, women, youth, and people with disabilities. This non-profit organization funds SMMEs to establish and grow their businesses, thereby reducing poverty, inequality, and unemployment. Learn more here https://www.oldmutual.co.za/business/solutions/masisizane/ FOUNDERSSAUCE is a South African platform enabling access to resources for entrepreneurs and creators. Get tools to launch your startup or grow your business. Start Building https://founderssauce.com/

FURTHER helps to equip Impact Entrepreneurs with the skills, personal capacity, connections and opportunities they need to make the biggest possible impact. Learn more here https://www.furtherimpact.co/ FOUNDERSSAUCE is a South African platform enabling access to resources for entrepreneurs and creators. Get tools to launch your startup or grow your business. Start Building https://founderssauce.com/

The main aim of RLabs is to create environments and systems where people are impacted, empowered and transformed through HOPE, Innovation, Technology, Training and Economic Opportunities. Learn more here https://rlabs.org/ FOUNDERSSAUCE is a South African platform enabling access to resources for entrepreneurs and creators. Get tools to launch your startup or grow your business. Start Building https://founderssauce.com/