For over a decade, SME South Africa has played a pivotal role in equipping South African entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to thrive. Behind this mission is Velly Bosega, a digital media entrepreneur who transformed the platform into a go-to resource for the country's small business community.

In this episode of Connect South with Mashudu Modau, Velly shares how acquiring SME South Africa in 2014 was more than a business decision — it was a calling to serve. He dives into the platform’s evolution, from a traditional media brand to a dynamic digital ecosystem serving over 100,000 users a month.

We explore:

• What South African entrepreneurs really need today

• The role of content and community in supporting small business growth

• How SME South Africa is addressing systemic gaps in the ecosystem

• Why collaboration is the future of SME development

  
  

Whether you're building a digital platform, running a small business, or working to grow the entrepreneurial ecosystem in South Africa, this episode is full of insight, strategy, and inspiration.

In this episode of Connect South, we sit down with Tsepo Petla, Head of Business Development at Telkom FutureMakers, to explore how this enterprise and supplier development program is empowering South African entrepreneurs. Tsepo shares insights on FutureMakers' decade-long journey in supporting ICT startups, township-based tech innovators, and black-owned businesses. From ideation to scaling, learn how FutureMakers is shaping the future of entrepreneurship through funding, incubation, and mentorship. We also discuss the impact of their Township Incubation Program, upcoming AI-focused accelerators, and how entrepreneurs can get involved.

South Africa’s digital skills gap is a major challenge for entrepreneurs and small businesses. In this episode of Connect South, we speak to Lebogang Luvuno, B-BBEE Executive at Microsoft South Africa, about how Microsoft is investing in the future of entrepreneurship through digital skills development, enterprise support, and access to market opportunities.

We cover:

• Microsoft’s R1.3 billion investment in digital skills and black-owned businesses
• The role of AI and emerging technologies in entrepreneurship and job creation
• How small businesses can break into corporate supply chains
• The real impact of Microsoft’s programs, from rural tech training centers to enterprise development

If you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or passionate about South Africa’s digital future, this episode is packed with valuable insights. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe to Connect South for more conversations on South Africa’s startup ecosystem!

Startupbootcamp is a global network of industry-focused accelerators. They ensure startups thrive by giving them direct access to an international network of the most relevant partners, investors, and mentors in their field. Learn more https://www.startupbootcamp.org/

FOUNDERSSAUCE is a South African platform enabling access to resources for entrepreneurs and creators. Get tools to launch your startup or grow your business. Start Building https://founderssauce.com/

Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator is a not-for-profit social enterprise that works with partners to find solutions for the challenge of youth unemployment. Learn more here: https://www.harambee.co.za/

FOUNDERSSAUCE is a South African platform enabling access to resources for entrepreneurs and creators. Get tools to launch your startup or grow your business. Start Building https://founderssauce.com/

MyDough incubates startups & accelerates SMEs, using a combination of growth programmes designed to give entrepreneurs the skills and networks they need to succeed. Learn More: https://mydough.co.za/

FOUNDERSSAUCE is a South African platform enabling access to resources for entrepreneurs and creators. Get tools to launch your startup or grow your business. Start Building https://founderssauce.com/

IDF Capital specialises in investing in black owned, black women owned and black youth owned entrepreneurial business. IDF Capital provides capital, loan, quasi-equity and equity funding. They provide bespoke non-financial business support and we facilitates access to markets for the investee companies, while focusing on earning the required rate of return on investments.

FOUNDERSSAUCE is a South African platform enabling access to resources for entrepreneurs and creators. Get tools to launch your startup or grow your business. Start Building https://founderssauce.com/

The Branson Centre is a venture studio that is changing business for good. They help companies, the suits, connect with entrepreneurs, the sneakers. So that together they can solve global challenges by building sustainable ventures. they do this through venture building and venture investing. Learn more; https://www.bransoncentre.co.za/

FOUNDERSSAUCE is a South African platform enabling access to resources for entrepreneurs and creators. Get tools to launch your startup or grow your business. Start Building https://founderssauce.com/

Global Startup Awards create a platform for connecting, promoting, and showcasing the startup and entrepreneurs ecosystem in the respective region but also to the global scene through communication/PR, a competition, and event activities. Learn more here https://www.globalstartupawards.com/about-gsa

FOUNDERSSAUCE is a South African platform enabling access to resources for entrepreneurs and creators. Get tools to launch your startup or grow your business. Start Building https://founderssauce.com/

Startupbootcamp AfriTech is an accelerator designed to empower impact & sustainability startups. Connecting visionary Founders with conscious global corporations, their corporate leaders, as well as experienced mentors and impact investors. Learn more here; https://www.startupbootcamp.org/accelerator/afritech

FOUNDERSSAUCE is a South African platform enabling access to resources for entrepreneurs and creators. Get tools to launch your startup or grow your business. Start Building https://founderssauce.com/