Pretoria - 30 July 2021. Virtuoso Digital Agency in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network are proud to announce the launch of a free event for entrepreneurs, 'Startup Huddle' in the community of Atteridgeville. The Global Entrepreneurship Network operates an array of programs in 180 countries aimed at making it easier for anyone, anywhere to start and scale a business.

Startup Huddle is a program designed to help one entrepreneur at a time while strengthening the local ecosystem. Entrepreneurs discover solutions to the challenges they face through purposeful engagement with a broad array of voices from their local community.

This exciting and unifying event will take place monthly, online launching on Friday 13 August 2021. Entrepreneurs with businesses in the startup stage are encouraged to apply.

Apply here to present!

• Like minded community members will share and tackle business challenges together in a safe space.
• Interact with global entrepreneurs who are mentors, investors or sponsors who can assist with guidance, collaboration and more.
• Share ideas and discuss new business opportunities.

During the event, two entrepreneurs will be given 5 minutes each to introduce themselves to the community, explain what their business entails and what they seek to achieve in the event. This will be followed up by a 20 minute Q&A session where there will be discussions on the various areas where the business owners sought help.

Register here to join our Virtual Gathering

Through GEN's partnership, Virtuoso Digital Agency aims to develop, support and grow entrepreneurial ecosystems in townships to enable and increase economic opportunities led by young entrepreneurs in South African township and rural communities. Atteridgeville's Startup Huddle launch is supported by 22 On Sloane and GEN Africa.

Gauteng Provincial Treasury (GPT), as the custodians of Procurement Strategy for the Gauteng Province, has formalized a relationship with the South African Supplier Diversity Council (SASDC) to explore ways in which the two organisations can collaborate in pursuit of the government’s Township Economy. As part of the TER programme, the SASDC, in partnership with GPT, will execute initiatives in support of achieving the Provincial Government’s objective of creating an enabling environment for township enterprises to access markets through government and private sector procurement.

The revenue growth of Township co-operatives and SMME’s will be supported, which will assist in the creation of employment opportunities, help to alleviate poverty and stimulate local economic growth.Through engagements with some of the Township Based suppliers in the business development trainings, it has become apparent to us that, when meeting procurement personnel, many of our suppliers struggle with knowing what information to present to them.

In order to secure procurement contracts, suppliers will have to pitch their businesses numerous times, therefore they need to ensure that the pitch is clear and concise. As a solution, we have outlined 7 questions that need to be addressed when pitching your business.

What do you do? Start with the name of your company and what it does.  This may sound obvious, but many suppliers forget to state this clearly and simply. Along with describing what your business does, try to outline the reason that the business was started e.g. what problem did you identify that you started the business to solve.

What is your solution? You have identified the problem; now explain how your business can solve that problem.  

Who is your target market? Knowing who your product/service will be targeted at, shows buyers that you have thought about your customers. Too often entrepreneurs have a great idea and start businesses based on their ideas without knowing whether anybody else will be prepare to pay for their products or services.

Who is your competition? Are there other companies in the market offering what you are? If there are, you need to know what sets your business apart. Do you have lower prices, better quality, shorter lead times, or superior customer services? If you do offer any of these make sure you communicate that. 

Who do you have on your team? If you employ people who have unique skills or skills that are particularly suited to your business, introduce them. If you do not yet employ those people, at least show buyers that you are aware that you need them and plan to recruit them at a later stage. 

What is your business model? Describe the operations of the business. This does not have to be a long, complicated description, just a basic explanation of what you produce, and how. 

What is your experience and track record? Take some time to list some of the clients you have and how you have met (or exceeded) their expectations. 

The South African Supplier Diversity Council hosts perfecting your pitch sessions suppliers once in a month. Share this article and it may save someone from fainting in an elevator pitch!