A momentous occasion unfolded as the I’M IN Entreprenuerial Programme in partnership with Telkom’s Enterprise and Supplier Development unit, Telkom FutureMakers, JP Morgan and the Embassy of Ireland, collaborated to mark a remarkable milestone – the graduation of 30 female-student-founded start-ups. This event that took place on 26 April 2024 in Rosebank, Johannesburg, symbolises not just an end but a glorious beginning, as these graduates stand poised to venture into the next phase of their entrepreneurial journey, equipped with newfound expertise and insights,
Igniting female entrepreneurship
I’M IN Ideation shines brightly as a guiding light for female students hailing from universities and colleges in lower living standard measure (LSM) areas. It serves as a robust platform, offering vital resources, mentorship, and direction crucial for stepping confidently into the realm of entrepreneurship. More than just fostering businesses, this initiative embodies a commitment to nurturing innovation and empowerment among women, who have historically encountered obstacles in accessing entrepreneurial avenues.
“The I’M IN Entrepreneurial Programme serves as a catalyst for high-growth tech startups, particularly focusing on empowering entrepreneurs who face barriers to accessing resources” said Dr. Mmaki Jantjies, Group Executive of Innovation and Transformation at Telkom.
Fostering innovation, fuelling progress
The ripple effects of initiatives like I’M IN Ideation extend far beyond the confines of a graduation ceremony. By nurturing creativity and empowering aspiring female entrepreneurs it nurtures a new cohort of trailblazers poised to ignite positive change in their communities and propel the nation's economic advancement.
As Tshepo Phetla, Head of Business Development at Telkom FutureMakers, said, "This targeted approach is poised to transform access to entrepreneurial resources and opportunities, empowering students from underserved communities to unleash their potential and establish sustainable tech-driven enterprises."
Towards a promising horizon
The graduation ceremony not only commemorates past triumphs but also serves as a harbinger of the promising horizon ahead. “As we applaud the graduates of our Ideation programme, we spotlight the trailblasing women start-ups whose entrepreneurial spirit and ingenuity have ignited positive change” said Mohau Polo Leteka, Founder and Director at I'M IN Accelerator. “It gives us a great sense of achievement as this programme reaffirms our commitment to financial inclusion of the youth and particularly young women.
“The success of this cohort demonstrates our commitment to identify the young women at grassroots level and support them to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. Supporting, funding and scaling entrepreneurial businesses are the fundamental aspects of our programmes. This graduation marks a significant milestone showcasing innovation, agility and great concepts that have the potential to disrupt traditional industries. We will ensure that the graduates are fully supported in their next phase of growing their businesses, through customised investor readiness programmes and appropriate funding instruments.”
