11 December 2007
Maxum went on a recruitment drive to identify 12 women ICT entrepreneurs for an inspiring, exciting and educational training opportunity in the US. The goal of the program is to build the competence and confidence of participants to start or grow successful businesses, in enabled environments provided by South African business incubators.
Maxum is pleased to announce that the search for the most entrepreneurial, dynamic, driven and inspirational women to take part in the Women ICT Entrepreneurship US program is happening.
“It is very exciting to see the launch of innovative new products that go on to achieve commercial success in local and global markets. Success benefits not only the companies themselves, but the whole country as successful start-ups are engines for job creation and economic growth.”
Dr. Jill Sawers, Manager of Maxum
Maxum went on a 3-moth recruitment drive in South Africa to identify 12 women ICT entrepreneurs for an inspiring, exciting and educational training opportunity in the US. The goal of the program, which is in partnership with the Meridian International Center and UMBC’s Centre for Women in Information Technology in partnership with Maryland Women in Technology, is to build the competence and confidence of participants to start or grow successful businesses, in enabled environments provided by South African business incubators. The program will focus on topics such as developing a business plan, managing business finances, managing human resources, managing operations, developing a marketing strategy, obtaining venture capital and developing business leadership skills, among other things.
Maxum sees this as a great initiative and opportunity to encourage women's participation in the ICT sector, particularly in the revolutionary, cutting edge and innovative part. This was also seen to promote opportunities to women who are already in the sector. Maxum is now at the finalisation stage of this endeavor. They will announce the names of the finalists shortly and would like to thank all those who showed an interest, extended a helping hand and took part in the initiative.
Maxum is a business incubator at the Innovation Hub in Tshwane. High tech start-ups thrive in this high-energy environment where support and advice is always at hand, and they are surrounded by entrepreneurs who share similar challenges and solutions. “We’re here to help turn bright ideas into successful companies,” says Dr Jill Sawers, Maxum Manager. “We pick viable high-tech start-ups, nurture them through the vulnerable early business stages and set them on a fast track to the top.” And it works! Since 2000 more than 80% of Maxum’s graduates succeeded in establishing sustainable businesses after a typical two to three year incubation period. “It is very exciting to see the launch of innovative new products that go on to achieve commercial success in local and global markets. Success benefits not only the companies themselves, but the whole country as successful start-ups are engines for job creation and economic growth.”
The support services menu at Maxum includes affordable, flexible office space, comprehensive ICT infrastructure and expertise from business mentors, venture capitalists and legal professionals. Regular training seminars ensure ongoing opportunities to develop new skills. There is also a pre-incubation programme for young scientists and engineers looking for advice on entrepreneurship and guidance during earlier stages of business development. This phase helps to refine the business idea and assess its viability and potential.
As another initiave, in their commitment and contribution to the growth and development of the small business sector, Maxum held a Venture Capital funding event with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to inform entrepreneurs about existing funding avenues. The IDC gave a briefing session on two funds, these being the Support Programme for Industrial Innovation (SPII grant) and the Venture Capital Strategic Business Unit (VC SBU) Fund. The event was to expose entrepreneurs to possible funding opportunities, to provide a platform for the Maxum incubatees to present their companies and attract investment; and for funders to engage with the audience and explain in detail the criteria they use when assessing applications.
For more information about Maxum, please visit their profile in the Global Network Directory.