With the National Development Plan (NDP) estimating that SMMEs will generate a whopping 90% of the 11 million new jobs expected to be created in South Africa by 2030, the rate of established businesses currently sits at a low 2.2%, with a high unemployment rate marked at 26, 7%, remaining unchanged throughout the first quarter of 2018 as compared to the last quarter of 2017.

 The ‘triple challenges’ often referred to, when addressing the high levels of poverty, inequality and unemployment (non-inclusive economic growth), which have been classified as major features of many developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa; the time to actively and intentionally advance inclusive ecosystems could not have come any sooner, especially when looking at enterprise development level, which we need, in order to fast-track the development and establishment of SMMEs and entrepreneurs that can create much need jobs. 

The 67CEOs Foundation will host the second edition of its Global Entrepreneurship Week programme, themed “Advancing Inclusive Ecosystems”, which is free and open to the public. The organisation, which provides mentorship and impactful entrepreneurship workshops to newly-established industrialists and SMMEs in partnership with CEOs and seasoned entrepreneurs who volunteer their skills in service to inspire, mentor, coach and teach, will hold events as part of the Global Entrepreneurship Week from 12-16 November 2018.

The annual programme will engage in impact focused entrepreneurial activities and connect SMMEs to potential collaborators, mentors, policymakers and even investors. “For us as a nation to see high-growth businesses emerge and thrive, the entrepreneurship ecosystem must be inclusive at all socio-economic levels. Public and private institutional policies and support should be designed and executed so they close historical gaps, alleviate poverty and create sustainable employments,” says Sam Apata, convener of 67CEOs Foundation.

 Headed by Sam Apata, 67CEOs Foundation is an independent, South African registered, non-profit organisation that hosts GEW initiatives annually. In partnership with title sponsor, Exxaro Resources, 67CEOs Foundation will host over 500 SMMEs during GEW 2018 at Workshop 17, 138 West Street, Sandton from 9:00am - 3:00pm.

 “We operate in an environment of vast inequality, poverty and unemployment, and we are mindful of the fact that we can only bring about change if we all work together.  That is why we are delighted to partner with 67CEOs Foundation to help nurture small and medium sized businesses.  “Exxaro believes that unless we can power better lives for people, then we have not lived our purpose. Exxaro will lead economic transformation by investing in black youth owned small businesses that will create jobs in host communities and beyond,” says Mxolisi Mgojo, CEO of Exxaro.

Some of the key activities during the 67CEOs Global Entrepreneurship Week are: workshops, seminars, pitching sessions, speed mentoring and demo day. CEOs/mentors/facilitators will participate in panel discussions and lead relevant workshops focusing on advancing inclusive ecosystem that encourage entrepreneurship and job creation in South Africa. With the support of corporate entities to deliver its mandate to advance inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems and increased economic inclusion while expanding financial and human capital for SMMEs; 67CEOs prides itself on creating avenues that seek to support, carry and advance ecosystems for budding entrepreneurs that continue to face systemic barriers to economic empowerment and independence. 

Recognised by GEN Africa, the African chapter of Global Entrepreneurship Network based in Johannesburg, 67 CEOs is one of many event organisers during Global Entrepreneurship Week in Africa. AgendaMonday 12Tuesday 13Wednesday 14Thursday 15Friday 1667CEOs Ecosystem Connect: Engaging Local municipalities, cities, provincial, national and private sectors in collaboration67CEOs Women: Inspiring Entrepreneurs + Investors67CEOs Inclusion: Minimizing Barriers + Maximizing Inclusion67CEOs Youth: Shaping the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs67CEOs Pitching and Mentorship: Business model, Idea challenge + Demo day There will be parallel masterclass sessions on SMME Financial Management, Business Model Canvas, BBBEE Compliance and Access to ESD, 4th Industrial Revolution, Leadership, and Emotional Intelligence.

“SMMEs are invited to join great leaders in business at 67CEOs GEW2018. This is a great platform for education, inspiration, reflection, celebration, dialogue, networking and investment. Come and acquire the right knowledge that will position you for success in 2019 and beyond,” says Apata.

For media queries, interview requests and access to high res pics, please contact JT Comms on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 011 788 7632

Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of the 67CEOs Foundation - https://67ceos.org/ 

About GEN
The Global Entrepreneurship Network operates a platform of projects and programs in 170 countries aimed at making it easier for anyone, anywhere to start and scale a business. By fostering deeper cross border collaboration and initiatives between entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, policymakers and entrepreneurial support organizations, GEN works to fuel healthier start and scale ecosystems that create more jobs, educate individuals, accelerate innovation and strengthen economic growth.

About GEW 2018
This November, Global Entrepreneurship Network will celebrate 11 years of helping millions of people unleash their ideas to start and scale new businesses through Global Entrepreneurship Week. The campaign began in 2008 with an emphasis on inspiring young people to make their mark and has quickly grown to become a comprehensive effort that engages entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, researchers, support organizations and others collaborating to advance economic growth and innovation in more than 170 countries around the world.

EXXARO Resources
Exxaro is a South African-based diversified mining company listed on the JSE and included in the Responsible Mining Index. Our portfolio of coal operations includes mines in Mpumalanga and the Limpopo supplying to Eskom, other domestic markets and the export markets. Our investment portfolio also includes a 50% interest in Cennergi Pty Ltd, a joint venture with Tata Power, which has developed two wind farms with a combined generation capacity of 229MW (10% of the currently installed capacity of South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). Read about the history of GEW: https://genglobal.org/gew/historyRead more about 67CEOs Foundation: https://67ceos.org/