Entrepreneurship Expo connects innovators with opportunities for business growth

The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Entrepreneurship Expo brought students, entrepreneurs, alumni and industry partners together at the Pretoria West Campus to showcase businesses, exchange ideas and unlock opportunities for growth.

Through a business exhibition and pitching competition, the Expo provided emerging entrepreneurs with a platform to promote their products and services, connect with potential partners and compete for financial support to advance their businesses.

Dr Eric Pule, Director of Advancement and Partnerships, emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships in connecting entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship and market opportunities that can help them build sustainable businesses. He also called for entrepreneurial support to be extended across TUT’s campuses.

Building on the importance of practical support, Dr Patrick Ebewo, Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, highlighted the need to connect entrepreneurs with opportunities that can help them establish and grow their businesses. He invited Phiwe Mzizi to share her entrepreneurial journey, illustrating how support and encouragement can empower young people to pursue their business ambitions.

Karabo Malapane, CEO of the Youth in Business Network, encouraged entrepreneurs to build strong networks, access markets and pursue investment opportunities. He stressed that business growth requires more than training and motivation, with meaningful connections playing an equally important role in helping entrepreneurs move their businesses forward.

A panel discussion titled “Entrepreneurship, Enterprise Development and Access to Opportunities” brought together representatives from the South African Revenue Service (SARS), National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and FNB. Entrepreneur and business coach Ms Omontle Moremong, Managing Director of Omontle Growth and Profitability Framework, also joined the panel.

Moderated by Ms Lebogang Rampa, the discussion explored challenges affecting entrepreneurs and highlighted the importance of access to relevant business support and opportunities.

The pitching competition brought these themes to life, with 10 entrepreneurs each given five minutes to present their business ideas. Through a partnership between the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and Nedbank, Karabo Dikutle emerged as the winner, receiving R20 000. Troy Tshepo received R10 000 as the first runner-up, while Ukho Fey received R5 000 as the second runner-up.

Dikutle’s winning project, University Safe Navigation, is designed to help students and visitors locate campus buildings and facilities, access event updates and alert campus security and police through an integrated panic button. Expressing his excitement about the recognition, Dikutle said he planned to use the prize money to acquire skills that would help him further develop the business.

In her closing address, Prof Ingrid Mokgobu, Campus Rector of the Pretoria Campus, thanked the organisers, speakers, panellists, exhibitors and partners for contributing to the success of the Expo.

The event reinforced TUT’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation while building partnerships that connect emerging entrepreneurs with opportunities to turn promising ideas into sustainable businesses.

The Expo was a collaborative initiative involving the Alumni Relations and Fundraising Office within Corporate Affairs and Marketing, the Office of the Campus Rector, the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and the Youth in Business Network.