Durban Chemical Cluster does a final call for Business Accelerator entries
Is your company an SME that has the potential to supply the chemicals industry? Then you’re almost out of time to enter the 2022 Business Accelerator!
Entering the Durban Chemicals Cluster 2022 Business Accelerator will not only put you in line to win seed capital for your business but will also get you a foot in the door to supply leading enterprises like FFS Refiners, H&R, NCS Resins, Sherwin-Williams and SAPREF.
Meghan King, a representative from the Durban Chemicals Cluster, says that selected finalists will also be given a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to participate in a hands-on mentorship programme with some of South Africa’s top business leaders from the programme’s lead funding firms.
“The objective of the Accelerator is to develop high-potential SMEs as strategic suppliers to industrial lead enterprises by providing market access, mentorship and capital investment interventions. There really is no other Business Accelerator in South Africa that offers this type of support,” she says.
She adds that the Accelerator has been running for four years with great success and has unlocked 870 new jobs and over R61 million in new commercial opportunities in the chemicals sector.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Any South African-owned business (based in any province in South Africa) that meets the following criteria is invited to enter:
- 51% or more black ownership
- Annual turnover of R170m or less
- Registered with CIPC
- Tax compliant
- Operating for a minimum of 1 year
- Currently or aiming to offer products or services to customers in the chemicals sector
HOW DOES IT WORK?
- Submit your application before 30 September 2022 (Go to: https://durbanchemicalscluster.org.za/business-accelerator-2/)
- Qualifying candidates will be invited to a capacity-building workshop on 18 October 2022 that will be focused on developing a compelling business pitch to potential customers.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a Dragons’ Den event on 2-3 November 2022 in Durban where the top candidates will be selected.
- Identified high-potential candidates will receive business case development, expert coaching to scale their business and ongoing support to unlock commercial opportunities with customers.
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” – Wayne Gretzky. So, don’t delay, apply today!
