MultiChoice Innovation Fund seeks to shape new industries

Reggy Moalusi, the Head of Corporate Affairs for MultiChoice South Africa, said this at the Port Elizabeth leg of the Innovation Fund roadshow, which was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Summerstrand on Tuesday.

The Multichoice Group, in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and Bay TV, hosted entrepreneurs and SMEs under the theme of ‘Spurring a culture of innovation within the SME segment of South Africa’.

“We operate in an industry driven by technological advancements. The Innovation Fund is about giving life to exciting, innovative ideas and developing entrepreneurs that will shape industries,” says Moalusi, “The MultiChoice Group is a leading investor in local content and as part of our corporate social responsibility, we hope that through the Fund, we will contribute towards the creation of future jobs by supporting emerging entrepreneurs.”

The aim of the regional seminars is to extend the reach of the Innovation Fund to black entrepreneurs across the country, more especially women and youth-owned enterprises. The seminars are also aimed at providing a platform to identify business prospects, understand unique challenges and highlight the various funding and business development opportunities.

The series of seminars have so far provided a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to meet with key stakeholders, network with their peers and learn about trends in the ICT and media sectors.

The MultiChoice Group appreciates the support from the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, ECDC and Bay TV to host the seminar for entrepreneurs and SMEs in the Eastern Cape province.

Entrepreneurs attending the one-day seminar in Port Elizabeth were treated to exciting and inspiring presentations by various speakers, namely Mr Mlu Kosi, the Regional Manager of Economic Development at the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Mr Ndzondelelo Dlulane, the CEO of the Eastern Cape Development Corporation and Mr Motse Mfuleni, the Chairperson of Bay TV.

Speaking on the potential of the film sector in the province, Dlulane said, “The partnership with MultiChoice marks the commonalities we have to further develop the film sector in the Eastern Cape,” adding, “We need to enable innovators to drive the Eastern Cape economy and come up with new ideas for the decades ahead”.

The panel discussion was lively and provided entrepreneur/s and SMEs in the room compelling insights on how to further strengthen their ventures and seek funding opportunities from big businesses, government and economic development agencies.

For more information, interested businesses can email innovationfund@multichoice.co.za or visit www.multichoice.com/innovation-fund/