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The Innovator Trust was created to support the growth of small black-owned Information and Communications Technology (ICT) businesses in South Africa. Our programmes facilitate training that develops their skills as business owners.
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A new wave of action for SMEs: 2024 Women In Tech Innovator Trust Conference
Registration for the highly anticipated 2024 Innovator Trust Women in Tech (WIT) Conference is now open. This year’s WIT event is set to be a defining moment for women in technology, with a powerful focus on the essence of being intentional. 21 Oct 2024 Read more

Nondumiso Zulu: Empowering women, elevating tech
Technology shapes our world. Nondumiso Zulu, founder of Exceptional Women In Tech (EWIT), is reshaping the tech industry with her unique software testing approach, a refreshing departure from the norm, and her unwavering commitment to empowering women. Her journey from a technology enthusiast to a leading figure in the tech world highlights her intelligence, passion, and dedication to creating a more inclusive industry. 5 Sep 2024 Read more

Aphiwe Tafeni: Fluent in digital marketing and tech with Olem Business Boutique
Aphiwe Tafeni, owner of Olem Business Boutique, has made significant strides in the digital marketing and ICT sectors. Her journey, characterised by creativity, adaptability, and a commitment to empowering young people, is a testament to her ability to thrive in a dynamic industry. 3 Sep 2024 Read more

Western Cape tech SMEs urged to apply for Innovator Trust ED Incubation Programme
There is a well-known saying that reads, “It takes a village to raise a child.” The same is true in business. Through the eyes of an entrepreneur, it takes more than funding to build a sustainable, thriving small business. The Innovator Trust calls on small and medium-sized tech enterprises (SMEs) based in the Western Cape to seize a unique opportunity to join their village, by applying to the Innovator Trust Enterprise Development Incubation Programme, taking a leap toward amplifying their growth as a Tech SME in the region. 27 Aug 2024 Read more

Kim Palmer and On the Ball College future-proofing tech talent
As a young woman of colour in the early 2000s, Kim Palmer never anticipated becoming a tech startup pioneer in a fledgling South African democracy. Yet, her journey, marked by significant strides in advancing information and communication technology (ICT) education and empowering disadvantaged communities across South Africa through her business, is a potent exemplar. 27 Aug 2024 Read more

Thabile Makhoba: The embodiment of the African entrepreneurial spirit
Thabile Makhoba's journey to becoming the founder of Makhoba Professional Services is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. 20 Aug 2024 Read more

Indrani Govender’s phoenix story: Establishing Ricinz Construction to create opportunity
Indrani Govender's journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of transformation. As the founder of Ricinz Construction, her story transcends building a successful business – it's about overcoming adversity and creating opportunities for others. Indrani's career began humbly as a packer in a clothing store. 16 Aug 2024 Read more

Unathi Nuku: Building a new era in IT
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and founder of Grameen Bank, Muhammed Yunus, highlighted, "Social entrepreneurship is the pursuit of sustainable solutions to neglected problems with positive social impact, with the ultimate goal of changing society for the better." 7 Aug 2024 Read more

Ejoobi, pioneering accessible job search solutions
Ejoobi.com is undoubtedly a trailblazing creation in the HR tech industry. Simangele Mphahlele, a dynamic leader with a diverse educational background in honours applied psychology, an advanced diploma in teaching, and a higher certificate in marketing, brings over 12 years of corporate experience. 6 Aug 2024 Read more

Cyan Development Concepts transforming lives and spaces through tech, art and community
A mirror of the vibrant heart of South Africa, a beacon of creativity and transformation, has laid the groundwork where many young professionals find their footing – Cyan Development Concepts. Co-founded by Celestine Williams and her husband, Grant Williams, this innovative organisation has spent the last 17 years as a catalyst for creative empowerment, propelling young professionals, and transforming lives and spaces through arts, training, and technology. Their journey highlights the profound impact of their work, primarily through partnerships like the Innovator Trust. 5 Aug 2024 Read more

Unlock the next level of your success with the Innovator Trust’s cutting-edge incubation programme
Economic growth and sustainable entrepreneurship are paramount. Are you a young SMME owner in South Africa's dynamic ICT space, hungry for success? Innovator Trust, the pioneers in empowering ICT entrepreneurs and fostering innovation, presents its groundbreaking Hatch Incubation Programme. 20 May 2024 Read more

SKJ Group: Built on resilience, driven by innovation
"The best entrepreneurs know that everyone on the team needs to win. They create a culture that fosters not just achievement but also development. They understand that when you invest in your people, you invest in your company's future," - Herb Kelleher, co-founder of Southwest Airlines. Entrepreneur Shaun Jacobs, founder of SKJ Group, embodies these very characteristics, and the SKJ Group story is one of perseverance and a commitment to excellence in the telecommunications industry. As a Phoenix rises from the ashes, Jacobs and his team emerge from a challenging initial chapter and rise from the ashes to start SKJ Group. 19 Apr 2024 Read more

Catalyst for success: Innovator Trust's R145k grants elevate 10 SMMEs
In a remarkable display of commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth, the Innovator Trust recently celebrated the success of its Accelerator Programme. Ten small business entrepreneurs were delighted to receive a substantial R145,000 grant each, igniting a flame of potential that promises to fuel their businesses and positively impact the economy. 19 Jan 2024 Read more

Innovator Trust unveils 2023 SMME Women in Tech Award recipients
Leading advocate for tech entrepreneurship and ICT SMMEs, Innovator Trust proudly announced the distinguished winners of the 2023 Women in Tech Awards... 7 Dec 2023 Read more

From AI to 5IR: Engineering a sustainable African future with Katlego Malatji
Katlego Malatji, a visionary engineer and the driving force behind ProjectOne Engineering, exemplifies the brilliance of African women in maths, science and innovating in the engineering space. Her journey with the Innovator Trust inspires pioneering African entrepreneurs who tackle unique African problems head-on with the solutions they create on home soil. 25 Oct 2023 Read more

From small business to creating tech-powered impact: Glynn Mashonga's mission to transform communities
Innovation blooms in the heart of challenges, and few embody this sentiment better than Glynn Mashonga, the driving force behind Globescope Security Solutions. Born and raised in Mitchell's Plain, her journey from adversity to success paints a portrait of determination and compassion. With roots entrenched in her community's struggles, Glynn's mission revolves around leveraging technology to combat unemployment and enhance safety. 18 Oct 2023 Read more

Entrepreneur Naledi Gallant is crafting HR's future with tech ingenuity
Transformational journeys often lead to unexpected destinations. This rings true for Naledi Gallant, founder of Dalitso Consulting. With a background in accounting and auditing, her initial career path took an unexpected turn when she found herself in the recruitment space. Today, she shares her story of growth, evolution, and the pivotal role that the Innovator Trust has had in helping her identify technology and human synergy's crucial role in her business journey. 27 Sep 2023 Read more

Where design meets bytes: Local SMME, Leigh Desai, pioneers creative-tech fusion
In the bustling world of entrepreneurship, where creativity and technical acumen converge, design guru and the founder of Innativ Studio (a multi-disciplinary all-female design studio), Leigh Desai, fuses her design technical expertise and creative ability as a skilled and sought-after designer. Beneath this vivacious exterior who loves a good laugh and great company, Desai identifies as an introverted extrovert, finding solace in her own company when the need to recharge arises. Desai understands that her technical skill puts her ahead of the game. 19 Sep 2023 Read more

'Women in Tech' invites SMMEs to join the Shevolution Movement
Envisioning a world where technology is not only powered by women, but where women power technology. 15 Sep 2023 Read more

Apply now to the Innovator Trust's cutting-edge hatch enterprise development programme
Economic growth and sustainable entrepreneurship are paramount. Are you a small business owner in South Africa's dynamic ICT space? Hungry for success and desperately seeking to boost your business growth? Innovator Trust, the pioneers in empowering ICT entrepreneurs and fostering innovation, presents its groundbreaking Enterprise Development programme (HATCH), now accepting applications for 2024 until 14 September 2023. 28 Aug 2023 Read more

Building a technology agnostic company: A tailored approach to safeguarding data
Companies face numerous challenges in today's fast-paced business landscape, especially concerning technology integration and cybersecurity. Cybersecurity has become a thriving and critical industry because it centres on 'safeguarding data against theft and loss'. An Innovator Trust incubation beneficiary for 2022/2023, iCurity specialises in precisely that. 31 Jul 2023 Read more

Harnessing technology to boost financial literacy among South Africa's youth
Attention young people! Can you make your little money go a long way? Do you generate enough income for your lifestyle? Can you put your sneaker collection on your balance sheet? These are some of the critical questions explored in the FIN1k Financial Literacy workshop, a strategic initiative by Innovator Trust. 21 Jul 2023 Read more

The rising tide of cyber threats: Safeguarding African SMMEs in the digital age
Globally, our first encounters with cybersecurity took on the form of antivirus protection in the form of the first official commercial antivirus software released in 1987. We've come a long way since then, with the digital world intricately woven into our lives. As the era of exponential tech unfolds more rapidly every day, cyber threats have evolved, and so has our need for cybersecurity. 7 Jul 2023 Read more

Echoes of empowering partnerships: ECOH's supplier development journey with Innovator Trust
Innovator Trust engages in a candid conversation with Neo Lesia, the visionary behind ECOH Multimedia Solutions. Together, they delve into the evolution of ECOH's journey, from their inception through to joining the Innovator Trust's Enterprise Development Programme, to their current role within the Supplier Development Programme. 29 Jun 2023 Read more

Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (YEP) celebrates 2023 Innovator Trust graduates from across South Africa
Celebrations were in full throng this Youth Month as fifty young South Africans from across the country were announced as graduates of the 2023 Innovator Trust Youth Entrepreneurship Programme. The graduation was held through an online virtual ceremony earlier this month. 29 Jun 2023 Read more

Vodacom honours small businesses at Supplier Development Conference
Tech-network giant, Vodacom played host to local SMME suppliers and business partners at the launch of the inaugural Vodacom Innovator Trust Supplier Development Conference, honouring top achieving South African small businesses within the Vodacom supply chain. 31 May 2023 Read more

Tekwecomm: Where connectedness drives business and community growth
Never has the world been so centred on the notion of connectedness. Maintaining, upgrading, and protecting this digital connectedness through unmatched quality and service delivery lies at the heart of telecom industry specialists, Tekwecomm. Managing director, Lilian Kistan, encapsulates the driving force of Tekwecomm: Being a lean, driven team of problem-solving change agents, passionate about how they bring sites back on air. For Lilian, the theme of connection revealed itself in her childhood. 29 May 2023 Read more

Eastern Cape entrepreneur on quest to dominate the out-of-home ad space
It's no question in the world we inhabit today, that content is king just about everywhere you go. Upon a drive in the city of East London, or a long road-trip down the scenic coast of Gqeberha, your eyes are bound to spot some nifty creative on a billboard, an impressive digital LED screen or the latest brand campaign wrapped across the local busses transporting commuters across the province daily. This is likely the work of Bona Phandle Media, a proudly black-owned out-of-home (OOH) media advertising company in the Eastern Cape region. 19 Apr 2023 Read more

Innovator Trust celebrates international Women's Day launching new webinar series
The role of women has been pivotal in ensuring stability, progress and development in the world. As mothers, women have been the backbone of their families, as teachers, women have transferred knowledge and wisdom from generation to generation. As leaders, women have organised themselves, collaborated and claimed their rights to be seen, heard and acknowledged as equals in society. 8 Mar 2023 Read more

Tech entrepreneur develops solution to aid Gqeberha's water crisis
'Tech is the gateway to solving a lot of the challenges and problems that the world is currently facing. Those who decide to act on their ideas are the entrepreneurs we will need more of for the future.' Those are the words from Rodney Louis, founder and CEO of Smart Vending, a company based in the Eastern Cape, providing innovative smart solutions within the water management space. 6 Mar 2023 Read more

Local entrepreneurs chart new business growth path powered by technology
Western Cape based software development startup, Temo Digital, are living proof that being young tech entrepreneurs and non-conforming to traditional ways of work is cool and can work. 6 Mar 2023 Read more

FIN1k programme launches calling for SA youth to join and receive free financial literacy and entrepreneurship training
Recognising the skills gap and the need for a healthier money culture among youth in South Africa, the Innovator Trust has announced the launch of the 2023 FIN1k Youth Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy training programme. 15 Feb 2023 Read more

Celebrating women in tech while calling all women to #Powerup and challenge the status quo
The Innovator Trust's 6th Annual Women In Tech Awards kicked off with red-carpet interviews that were second to none. Guests arrived, embodying the spirit of African glam and ready to embrace women creating powerful platforms for one another and "take up space." 30 Nov 2022 Read more

SA female tech entrepreneurs called to #PowerUp at Women in Tech (WIT) Appreciation Experience
Amidst the ongoing challenges facing women in South Africa, tech entrepreneurship presents a remarkable opportunity to empower women and girls in our country through the use of technology. 24 Oct 2022 Read more

New Tech Entrepreneurship Xperience (T.E.X) launches, charting the path for the entrepreneur of the future
South African ICT entrepreneurship training facilitator, the Innovator Trust, announced the launch of a new event, the Tech Entrepreneurship Xperience (T.E.X), set to take place on 15 September 2022, with the aim of charting the path for the entrepreneur of the future. 29 Aug 2022 Read more

Aspiring young entrepreneurs graduate from Innovator Trust Yep programme
Local incubation facilitator, the Innovator Trust, announced 39 graduates from their 2021 Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (Yep). 29 Jul 2022 Read more

Innovator Trust announces incubation opportunity for tech-based small businesses
Call for applications to the Innovator Trust 2023/24 Enterprise Development (ED) incubation programme have officially opened! 27 Jul 2022 Read more

Young entrepreneurs succeed in keeping South Africans connected during loadshedding
Since 2008, the concept of loadshedding has been a reality that citizens have had to contend with as part of normal, day-to-day life. Despite numerous interventions to stabilise the country's electricity supply, little relief has been felt in the homes and workplaces of South Africans who remain in the dark and disconnected with no access to affordable, alternative solutions. For three young entrepreneurs, Brian Gadisi, Alan Gie and Themba Hadebe, the loadshedding crises presented an opportunity for innovation that is making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of South Africans across the country by keeping the Wi-Fi on even when the power is off. 18 May 2022 Read more

Top 10 YEP business presentations beneficiaries pitch ideas for community empowerment
The Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP), the flagship youth incubation program facilitated by the Innovator Trust, held its fifth annual YEP business presentations from 28 February-2 March 2022 to an all-virtual panel of business executives from across South Africa. 22 Mar 2022 Read more

SA training college committed to developing youth and women in tech
In the last few years, we've seen great innovation across various industries, breakthroughs for marginalised communities and a digital revolution that has impacted every aspect of our lives. Although these are milestones to be celebrated, there is still so much more that needs to be done when it comes to developing the presence of women in the technology and innovation space. 28 Feb 2022 Read more

Epic Women Entrepreneur's Leadership Series to launch in Cape Town, Feb 2022
In efforts to contribute to South Africa's Covid-19 response strategy, the providers of the Agility and Resilience course have entered into a partnership with Innovator Trust. The objective of this partnership is to mitigate and adapt to the impact and consequences of Covid-19. It is necessary to form such partnerships as the scale of the impact of Covid-19 on businesses calls for a multi-organisational response. The parties to this partnership are socially responsible organisations that have demonstrated commitment to socio-economic development. 2 Feb 2022 Read more

SA youth keeping you online during load-shedding
How does any entrepreneur respond to an environment of flux, restrictions, and challenges? Well, for the young minds at the fore of Arion Power, the answer is with excitement and tenacity. The can-do spirit of the youth and determination to penetrate the business world cannot be restricted. The find a job or start your own business motto, though bold and admirable, is much easier said than done. For the team at Arion Power however, the decision was unanimous when they chose to embrace the opportunity created by South Africa's energy crisis, starting a business, creating jobs and preventing the loss of thousands of man hours to our online world. Whether you're a student, parent or business owner in the online economy, these guys have the answer to keeping you connected no matter what the outage. Here is their story... 22 Dec 2021 Read more

Women in Technology Dare To Dream bigger for SA small business sector
The Innovator Trust 2021 Women In Tech Appreciation Experience was hosted on Thursday, 4 November 2021, with a bold call to action to South African women to Dare To Dream. 12 Nov 2021 Read more

Women entrepreneurs unite to envision a future South Africa, driven by technology
There is a movement of women on the rise committed to taking up space and building a new South Africa through technology and business. 20 Oct 2021 Read more

Matsi Kolobe on founding a female, Black-owned digital agency and the human side to entrepreneurship
From brokenness to breakthrough, that has been the entrepreneurial journey for Matsidiso Kolobe, CEO and founder of Leseli Creative, a Cape Town-based advertising and marketing agency specialising in native languages as a primary form of communication. 3 Sep 2021 Read more

The Innovator Trust making a difference, one young entrepreneur at a time
With Youth Month concluded, it is not without adversity for South African youth who are battling the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, a waning economy and an alarming youth unemployment rate. Despite the challenges facing the country's youth, the Innovator Trust have intensified their efforts towards making a difference in the lives of young South Africans. 23 Jul 2021 Read more

Innovator Trust launches opportunity for ICT startups less than two years old
The Innovator Trust announced the launch of a new incubation programme targeted at young, startup entrepreneurs in the ICT sector. The Start-Up Programme seeks to respond to the need for formal assistance that most young entrepreneurs find lacking particularly in the early days starting out in business. The programme kicked off with a dynamic social media campaign on Instagram, #MyStartUpMyStory, a drive to encourage young business owners who have been operating for less than two years, to share their startup story in order to be considered for a spot in the first intake of businesses to the Start-Up Programme. 21 Jun 2021 Read more

The Innovator Trust launches FIN1k programme, tackling financial literacy in Youth Month
In accordance with Youth Month, the Innovator Trust has announced the launch of an exciting initiative aimed at upskilling 1,000 young people across South Africa, with the financial literacy knowledge they need to thrive in the modern-day economy. 21 Jun 2021 Read more