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Taking ideas to the next level through the Inhlanyelo Hub Ideation Programme
Phumelele Mokoena and Prof Annemarie Davis with the students and staff members who participated in the workshop.
In expressing its mandate, Inhlanyelo Hub presents a range of workshops on ‘Ideation’ – a custom-made programme that encourages the entrepreneurial culture within the Unisa ecosystem. Furthermore, as a university business incubator, Inhlanyelo Hub offers advice, development and encouragement to stimulate business start-ups amongst Unisa staff and students.
Recently, a team of experts presented a four-day workshop at the Durban Regional Office. Phumelele Mokoena, the Innovation and Business Development Manager at Inhlanyelo Hub, shared his experiences shaping an idea into a minimum viable product. Mokoena explained that the business model canvas is a valuable methodology to interrogate an idea and ascertain its potential place in the marketplace.
The reality of changing the mindset from being employed to becoming an employer is an essential driver in growing entrepreneurial ventures amongst Unisa students, says Professor Annemarie Davis.
The entrepreneurship workshop programme presented content and practical exercises to use entrepreneurial tools to develop business ideas and relevant skills to launch and grow a business. The programme included activities in design thinking, developing the value proposition, building partnerships and training for presenting the business idea to potential investors. The last day of the workshop required participants to present their business ideas to a panel for critical feedback. Some of the business venture ideas from the participants include a homework centre for special needs learners, professional CV writing services, specialised tour operations, dog daycare and small-scale vegetable farming.
The entrepreneurial process does not end at the end of the four-day workshop. To obtain a certificate of attendance, the participants must present evidence of learning and offer a portfolio comprising the business model canvas and the ‘pitch’ to investors. From thereon, the participants can sign up for access to incubation services provided by the Inhlanyelo Hub, such as business advice, coaching, refinement of business ideas, access to office facilities and partnership support.
After the workshop, participants were asked what they felt they gained from the content and facilitators. Some of the feedback from the participants included:
I benefited immensely – I was assisted in developing a slogan, the direction I thought my business needed to go in has changed, and I have a lot more empathy for my clients – which helped me get more precise direction on my product and services offered.
Another participant stated:
I was given various business ideas and tips I will definitely implement.
For more information on the Inhlanyelo Hub, visit their website: https://inhlanyelohub.com/en/
*By Prof Raphael Mpofu, Chief Executive Officer and Phumelele Mokoena, Innovation and Business Development Manager at Inhlanyelo Hub
Publish date: 2023/05/02