Read the full article that appeared in The Herald on May 12 below:
"FutureMakers Hub to boost PE businesses
AN innovative new partnership is looking to pave the way for micro industries in Port Elizabeth, providing them with a space and technology to develop businesses and contribute to the economy of Nelson Mandela Bay and the country.
Telkom, in partnership with the Propella Business Incubator in Humerail, yesterday unveiled the FutureMakers Hub, which boasts a dedicated 100 megabit-per-second internet fibre link, the fastest line in the Eastern Cape.
“The heart of the FutureMakers mission is to enable, empower and inspire entrepreneurs, particularly within technology, by providing ongoing support and coaching, to grow young, small businesses into big businesses,” Telkom chief administration officer Ian Russell said yesterday.
A year ago, Telkom announced a R100-million investment in FutureMakers, an initiative supporting entrepreneurship and business development in the technology sector.
Since then the initiative has invested more than R28-million in seven companies and provides support and training for more than 600 entrepreneurs through business incubation programmes in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape.
Propella, launched in June last year, aims to support and grow manufacturing business opportunities resulting from research and development conducted at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU).
Some of the sectors Propella focuses on are renewable energy, energy efficiency, creative arts and textiles.
Other Propella sponsors include the Industrial Development Corporation, BASF and General Motors South Africa.
“Ultimately, by supporting innovation throughout the technology sector, we can create jobs, improve digital access and develop a stable and competitive supply chain,” Russell said.
NMMU vice-chancellor Professor Derrick Swartz said initiatives like the FutureMakers Hub were important to develop and diversify the Bay economy.
“This asset must be used to stimulate development in our city,” he said.
Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Danny Jordaan praised NMMU, Telkom and Propella for the new initiative, saying it would help unlock the potential of the metro by furthering existing industries and exploring new ones."