Nicolette Dirk
THE launch of a new multi-purpose entrepreneurship hub at the V&A Waterfront this week will hopefully inspire entrepreneurs to come up with “cutting-edge ideas and solutions” to kick-start their businesses.
The launch of Workshop17 was attended by 200 guests, many of whom will benefit from the initiative that was spearheaded by the V&A Waterfront.
Workshop17 co-founder Julius Akinyemi said he was “as proud as a baby in a sandbox” with the launch of the initiative, which will also help provide start-ups with the skills to improve their business models.
Nigerian national Akinyemi is a resident entrepreneur at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he utilises technology innovation to empower people in developing nations.
Akinyemi said innovation can boost entrepreneurs and contribute to a country’s economic growth.
“More small businesses will be able to get ahead if they get guidance from specialists and also have the infrastructure to start their businesses,” he said.
The infrastructure at Workshop17 includes a venue with internet access, projectors and some basic things required to start a business.
Workshop17 will provide a space for start-ups, experienced companies, profit and non-profit entities as a venue where innovative ideas can also be shared.
For R1 500 a month, entrepreneurs can rent a hotdesk and access to the workshop facilities.
So far the centre already has 130 member firms, start-ups and freelancers sharing the space to develop their businesses.
The facilities includes internet access and eight fully-equipped meeting rooms.
V&A Waterfront chairman David Green said given the location, the Workshop17 platform will provide small businesses with the opportunity to showcase their businesses to many prospective customers.
“Workshop17 was a seed of an idea six years ago when we recognised that we could use our resources to foster small business through an innovation hub.
“Today, the result is a working space with a clear vision that has a very different kind of potential that extends far beyond the walls of Workshop17.
“We look forward to seeing cutting-edge ideas, plans, developments and solutions that we are certain will come out of this space,” he said.