GEORGE NEWS - George Municipality hosted the second annual Garden Route Global Entrepreneurship Week (GR-GEW) from 18 to 23 November at the George Civic Centre.
Building on the success of its inaugural event in 2023, which attracted over 200 SMMEs from across the region, the 2024 edition celebrated the dynamic entrepreneurial spirit of the Garden Route.
The event was a collaborative effort by the George Municipality (LED), Suff Academy, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), University of South Africa (Unisa), National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), National Development Agency (NDA), Government Information Communication Systems (GCIS), and the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (Dedat).
Together, these partners aimed to inspire innovation, support small businesses, and stimulate economic growth in the region.
The Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), active in over 200 countries, supported the initiative. By promoting collaboration between entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, policymakers, and support organisations, GEN drives job creation, innovation, and economic development. Its tailored programmes provide resources to meet the unique needs of different economies, ensuring inclusive growth.
A week of empowerment and collaboration
The GR-GEW 2024 focused on empowering entrepreneurs, strengthening the regional entrepreneurship ecosystem, and showcasing innovative ideas to boost local economic development.
It also provided networking opportunities and facilitated knowledge-sharing through workshops, panel discussions, and keynote sessions.
The week began on 18 November with an opening ceremony attended by 120 stakeholders. The theme, 'Creating entrepreneurial communities, removing barriers and welcoming all!', set the tone for the event.
Notable speakers included George Municipality's MMC for planning and development, Marlene Barnardt; Garden Route District Municipality's MMC for planning and economic development, Rosina Ruiters; and the chief director of the WC Department of Economic Development and Tourism, John Peters.
Prof Annemarie Davis from Unisa delivered a keynote address highlighting entrepreneurship as a driver of regional transformation.
The second day highlighted the role of academia, featuring experts from institutions such as NMU, UWC, Unisa, and South Cape TVET College.
Discussions centred on themes like market access, funding innovation and the role of education in supporting entrepreneurs. The day concluded with inspiring success stories from local entrepreneurs.
Practical support for entrepreneurs took centre stage on the third and fourth days. Participants engaged in speed networking, masterclasses, and panel discussions hosted by the George Business Chamber.
Entrepreneurs engaging the speakers.
Workshops led by Nedbank equipped attendees with strategies for securing funding, navigating business challenges, and accessing markets.
On 22 November, the focus shifted to township economies, exploring projects like the Ilisolethu Node Development in Thembalethu. Led by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), discussions emphasised unlocking economic potential in these communities.
The event concluded on 23 November with a business breakfast and closing function. Jeannine van Straaten of Proudly South African delivered a keynote address on building sustainable brands, localisation, and market access.
Fostering future growth
The GR-GEW 2024 reaffirmed its commitment to furthering partnerships across the public and private sectors and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
George Municipality extends its gratitude to all participants and invites stakeholders to collaborate on future initiatives, ensuring ongoing support for entrepreneurs and unlocking economic opportunities in the region.
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