Afriversity

Pesto Princess Praised!

2011-01-25T04:10:00.000-08:00

We are very excited for Afripreneurs, Pesto Princess who just received a great review from Pick n Pay, Africa's largest and most consistently successful retailers of food.

Well done! Keep up the great work and supplying our tastebuds with a little taste of heaven!

Here is a snippet of the review:

"Dive into a new range of delicious homemade pestos. As far as I'm concerned, the secret to a good cook is someone who knows what ingredients to always have on hand. Good olive oil, great parmesan, fresh fruit and vegetables, and pesto.

Think about it - what other foodstuff can you use on pizzas, in pastas, on toast and crackers, as a dip, mixed in with mayonnaise, or as a salad dressing? Truly, pesto is a marvelous chameleon.

But there's pesto, and then there's pesto. Some pestos are thin and low on flavour, or have a funny texture, or don't pack a punch. And then there's Pesto Princess. Free of preservatives, flavourants and colourants, this is pesto handmade with love. And fresh ingredients."

Click here to read the full review

Interview Series Started

2011-01-11T02:16:00.000-08:00

Dear Afriversity Friends,

With our New Year energy we are kick-starting an interview series with African entrepreneurs who recently started up a business, want to do so soon or have an existing business that they wish to promote.

These interviews are published across multiple platforms including the Afriversity network.

Would you like to showcase your company or business plan to a worldwide business audience interested in Africa?

Please send me an email asap: nna@afriversity.org

Kind Regards,

Natasha

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone from the Afriversity Team! ♥

2010-12-24T08:50:00.001-08:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Melinda French Gates: What nonprofits can learn from Coca-Cola | Video on TED.com

2010-12-23T10:11:00.000-08:00

Afriversity @ Connect Estonia

2010-12-23T06:50:00.000-08:00

Click here to see some more photos from Afriversity´s visit @ Connect Estonia!

Season Greetings from Afriversity!

2010-12-21T04:47:00.000-08:00

Dear Afriversity Friends and Family,

Please take a few minutes to watch our Christmas Greeting and Appeal for Sponsorship.

If you are interested in sponsoring Afriversity please contact us at hope@afriversity.org

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and healthy New Year!

Love from the Afriversity Team

A little reading for our Swedish friends

2010-12-16T02:32:00.000-08:00

On the 20th October, Afriversity CEO Thorgeir Einarsson was invited to speak at the annual Skandinaviens Enskilda Bank( SEB) charity convention, featuring some Sweden´s largest corporations, charities and foundations.

The function´s aim was to help deepen the dialogue on how different actors in society can cooperate and work together in addressing urgent global challenges while upholding Corporate Social Responsibility. Of course, Thorgeir was a great success and SEB decided to feature his story in their latest newsletter.

The article is in Swedish only

http://www.scribd.com/doc/45412470

Afriversity debuts in Estonia!

2010-12-15T10:41:00.000-08:00

Afriversity CEO and Founder, Thorgeir Einarsson has been invited by Tarvo Tamm, Managing Director of Connect Estonia to present Afriversity to its members at their annual Christmas event on December 16th. Connect Estonia has chosen Africa as their focus this year and aim to explore the entrepreneurial potential that exists in the continent.

Other speakers will include Danish entrepreneur Kresten Buch who will share his experience of doing business in Kenya and will also give an overview of start-up event IPO48, the boot-camp-style initiative which received a lot of local and international attention and resulted in the birth of some very exciting new businesses.

For more information on Connect Estonia go to www.connectestonia.net

Our inspiration today!

2010-12-08T04:14:00.000-08:00

Gosh it isn´t even lunch time and I already feel so inspired. I just finished a call with Gina Levy, Founder of Supernews.co.za, a wonderful multi-media, online, Citizen-Generated News & Idea Network located in Cape Town, South Africa.

A few months ago, I uploaded the Afriversity video to their website and Gina took immediate interest in the project, so much so that she decided to attend Afriversity´s networking event in November. When I spoke to her today, she said that she didn´t know what to expect but she left the seminar feeling inspired and humbled. She agreed with us that these are the stories that need to be told...the stories that will help inspire and communicate the amazing potential that this continental has to offer.

These are the stories that give us strength, increase awareness, influence new ways of thinking and give us HOPE!

So now Gina and I are working on a strategy to work together and do some wonderful things. I am soooo exciting and feeling full of energy and purpose. So I am going to leave you with this little video as a mini introduction to Supernews.

And remember to watch this space!

<3 Natasha

Population growth explained with IKEA boxes

2010-12-08T01:03:00.000-08:00

Explaining population growth requires simplification, but not oversimplification.

In this TED video, Hans Rosling explains why ending poverty – over the coming decades – is crucial to stop population growth. Only by raising the living standards of the poorest, in an environmentally-friendly way, will population growth stop at 9 billion people in 2050.

Wealthy South Africans generous!

2010-12-06T13:18:00.000-08:00

Wealthy South Africans are the second most generous nation when it comes to giving money, and rank fourth in volunteering their time to worthy causes, according to a report.

“South Africa was found to be the second most financially generous nation behind the United States, and when it came to measuring which nations were the most generous in giving of their time, South Africa ranked fourth behind list-topping Ireland,” said Absa Wealth in a statement on Tuesday.

Read the Full story here:

http://www.iol.co.za/business/business-news/wealthy-south-africans-generous-1.891355

Let the children play - Help Shana with her toydrive!

2010-12-01T05:04:00.000-08:00

Feed your heart this festive season. You know how good it feels to do something good, so go oh, help out this year by giving to Toy Drive. We are passionate about happiness and helping children who have no families to support them. BUT at the end of the day, a child, no matter what..

Afriversity participant, Shana Kay has started a project called The TOY DRIVE which is aimed at raising toys for Hospital play areas, orphanages and charities with a youth focus.

She started the TOY DRIVE as a way to help those who would like to give back to society, but not sure how. Being a frequent visitor at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital as a child due to Epilepsy (which she has since outgrown), this is one of the ways she gives back.

How can you help? Easy, attend, drop a toy or some cash, have fun and that’s it. Should you choose to participate in the delivery, let me know. Else, your part is simple and you get to have some fun.

Annual Toy Drive is set to be loads more fun this year. Get involved today!

Go to: http://www.annualtoydrive.org/

Tony Robbins motivates you in 20 minutes: TEDTalks

2010-11-30T12:04:00.000-08:00

Tony Robbins talks about how to unlock your true potential -- and high-fives Al Gore in the front row! A fast-paced, mind-expanding, motivating TEDTalk for high achievers and those who wish to be.

INTEGRATED BUSINESS & OWNER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

2010-11-22T14:39:00.000-08:00

Preparing for 2011 - is it back to business as usual, is it about growth, sustainability or just survival?

Apply for Afriversity's Phase One

Business Owner Assistance Program

2011 Program Dates:
i) 8, 9, 10 Feb – 8, 9, 10 Mar – 12, 13, 14 Apr

ii) 24, 25, 26 May - 21, 22, 23 Jun - 19, 20, 21 Jul

iii) 16, 17, 18 Aug - 13, 14, 15 Sep - 11, 12, 13 Oct

Sessions start at 08h30 and finish at 13h30

This 3-month intensive development opportunity will change the way you do business now and in the future.

Cost: R7500 for the full program. (Subsidies available)

Register here and we will send you more details...

Contact: adminsa@afriversity.org - call 021 418 0450

Meet Comessa Foods - A company thinking about your health!

2010-11-11T06:10:00.000-08:00

Afriversity CEO and Founder, Thorgeir Einarsson is visiting Cape Town this week to connect with our South African Team and meet some of the Afripreneurs.

One of the first Afripreneurs that Thorgeir met with was Zoegdie Essa, Founder of Comessa Foods.

Comessa Foods have created South Africa´s first ever flavoured Tortilla wraps and healthy popcorn!

Their products have become known in the food industry not only for the health attributes and nutritional profiles, but also for taste. Their brand also carries the seal of GIFSA and is DIABETICS SA Endorsed because their products are low in fat, low in sodium, zero cholesterol level, high in fibre and offer natural energy. Thus becoming the ideal snack for slimmers, active people, diabetics and people who care about what they eat.

Zoegdie and his team measure their success not only in the market price but by the growth of their people and the communities they serve in. As a 100% Level 3 Broad Based EE business, their roots stem from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and they are strongly committed to the upliftment of fellow female colleagues.

We thank Comessa Foods for their commitment to providing healthy food options and supporting their local communities.You are an inspiration to us all!

Learn more about this great company now! www.comessafoods.co.za

More contact information:
Unit 107 Sussex Road Wynberg, Cape Town
Tel+27 21 797 3376
info@comessafoods.co.za

Start with WHY!

2010-11-08T12:16:00.000-08:00

I have just finished watching Simon Sinek´s TED lecture on inspirational leadership all starting with a golden circle and the question "why". In 21 minutes, he explains how with a little discipline, anyone can learn to inspire.

Why? How? What? This little idea explains why some organizations and some leaders are able to inspire where others aren’t. Every single person, every single organization on the planet knows what they do, 100 percent. Some know how they do it, whether you call it your differentiated value proposition or your proprietary process or your USP. But very, very few people or organizations know why they do what they do. And by “why” I don’t mean “to make a profit.” That’s a result. It’s always a result. By “why” I mean: what’s your purpose? What’s your cause? What’s your belief? Why does your organization exist? Why do you get out of bed in the morning? And why should anyone care?

START WITH WHY offers an unconventional perspective that explains WHY some people and organizations are more innovative, more profitable, command greater loyalties from customers and employees alike and, most importantly, are able to repeat their success over and over. These are not the one hit wonders. These are the ones who change the course of industries or even society.

Don´t believe it? Watch and be inspired! Simon Sinek - Start with Why!

Join our Business Owner Networking and Sharing Party

2010-11-08T07:52:00.000-08:00

It is Global Entrepreneurship Week (15-21 Nov 2010) and you are invited to join the Afriversity team, fellow business owners and key enterprise development stakeholders as we celebrate Cape Town Entrepreneurship Week (CTEW).

Business Owner Networking and Sharing Party with Afriversity
Tues 16 November 2010,
Time: 17h00 - 20h00

The River Club, Observatory

This invitation is OPEN to all small business owners, past participants of the Integrated Small Business Development Programme (iSBDP), the Strategy Development Programme (SDP), and all other AFRIVERSITY friends and those committed to sustainable business practices.

Come and share your story (successes and challenges) as we journey together to grow business and develop Cape Town as a hub of business innovation and success.

Afriversity is a not-for-profit organisation founded to train, support and provide incubation for promising business owners.

Over the last three years Afriversity has impacted more than 350 local business owners. Our Afripreneurs are highly capable and motivated individuals who are dedicated and passionate about building sustainable businesses.

You can expect an exciting and an inspiring event where serious networking, learning and deal-making will happen.

We asked a few business owners to address us on their business journey. This, together with some dynamic speakers the evening is billed as a not to miss event on the Cape Town Entrepreneurship Week calendar.

The networking session will encourage business owners to hook up with other business owners and a prize will be awarded for the most valuable deal struck at the end of the evening.

Book NOW - click here

Brian Adams for the Afriversity Team

021 418 0450 - adminsa@afriversity.org

Don’t let limiting beliefs hold you back!

2010-10-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

Don’t let limiting beliefs hold you back from achieving your dreams and living Your Most Joyful Life. Want to feel enthusiastic, inspired and empowered to Rock your Happiness and Tune Into Your Joy?

Come and join us for an inspiring, fun and interactive Get Your Glow On™ Workshop with Bettina in association with Talent Fusion.

You’ll be empowered to:

• Power Up your Self-Belief!
• Be Your Most Wonderful You!
• Rock your Passion and Get on Purpose!

You’ll gain new insights, and learn helpful strategies.

You’ll leave with enthusiasm, tools, resources and a printed and digital workbook to empower you to Get Your Glow On™.

Bettina brings an engaging, empathetic and FUN approach to her workshops which will leave you enthusiastic, inspired and empowered to Get Your Glow On™

Bettina is a writer, speaker and mentor. She founded GloWoman® to Empower and Inspire women to Get their Glow On and live their Most Joyful Lives.

Time: Thursday evenings: 6pm – 9pm Time: Saturday mornings: 9.30am – 12.30pm

Date: 13th, 20th, 27th November 2010

or

Date: 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th November 2010

Where: Sea Point, Cape Town

Costs: R275

Bookings: Bettina Bets@GloWoman.org cell: 082 851 6974 Lianne lianne@talentfusion.co.za cell 082 498 0981

www.GloWoman.blogspot.com www.facebook.com/GloWoman

“Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go and do it. Because what the world needs, is people who have come alive.” ~ Howard Thurman

Afriversity Founder to speak at SEB's Trust Conference

2010-10-20T01:27:00.000-07:00

Afriversity is pleased to announce that Thorgeir Einarsson, CEO and Founder of Afriversity, has been invited by Christina Backman, Head of Skandinaviens Enskilda Bank (SEB) Foundations in Gothenburg, to speak at one the largest charity event in Sweden. Thorgeir will be a highlight on the chosen speaker roster that includes Stefan Einhorn, author of the bestseller book "The Art of Being Kind".

This function will help deepen the dialogue on how different actors in society can cooperate and work together in addressing urgent global challenges while upholding Corporate Social Responsibility.

"We are thrilled to be invited to SEB's event where all the participants have a shared vision to give. Corporate Social Responsibility is about human dignity and about contributing in a positive way to the development of society." says Thorgeir Einarsson "The lesson is simple: we need to have a coordinated approach and we are thrilled to be associated with SEB, as they are acknowledged for work with the community and their global responsibility."

"Entrepreneurs are recognized as the engine of economic and job growth, combining creativity and capital to bring new ideas to realization. Afriversity is focused on creating and supporting a new breed of world class, socially responsible, global entrepreneurs that will help Africa prosper in the new millennium" says Christina Backman "We at SEB believe that fulfilling our social responsibility through our business activities is important and we are delighted to invite Mr Einarsson to share his knowledge and experience with us"

SEB's charity convention will take place on the 20th October, featuring some Sweden´s largest corporations, charities and foundations.

Help Ludwick bring the prize home!

2010-10-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

Afriversity supports and endorses Ludwick Marishane of Headboy Industries and appeals to all Afripreneurs and friends of Afriversity to help him bring the Global Student Entrepreneurship Award to Africa.

Please read this letter from Ludwick:

"My company is working with 4 student-entrepreneurs to help them bring their innovations to market, so our primary focus is not only innovation, but also to act as a major enabler to many of South Africa’s young entrepreneurs.

We are in a situation where our cash flow has been extended to these projects, and we cannot cover the costs we foresee incurring in our goal to bring the GSEA prize to African soil. We are in this financial situation because we are vigorously trying to enable others; we now need a little enabling ourselves.  The costs for flights, accommodation, etc, are covered by Entrepreneurs’ Organization, but there are still certain miscellaneous expenses that I need to cover (like buying plug adapters for my laptop to work in the US, etc). I would like to shoot a series of short documentary videos in the next few weeks to use in the final presentation. I was notified about my being a finalist only last week, so we have no product samples (of DryBath™ -my company’s flagship product) and the lead-time for my manufacturer is 6 weeks. We will thus also require financial assistance to create a suitable sample-substitute to show off at the finals.

The total budget required should not exceed R10 000.  

We are requesting donations from organisations/individuals to cover these costs and make sure we bring the award home next month (sadly I am not a charitable organisation, so the donation will not be tax-deductible). I am hoping that you will be able to donate R1000 or more to this cause. And because we know business is about giving others value in exchange for their money, we will publish a list of all the funders on our blogs. Those funders who make substantial donations will be allowed to make media requests on myself or the company for their own benefit.   This is an opportunity to show the world that South Africa can compete effectively on the world stage (World Cup- Part 2!). But this achievement can only be achieved if those with the ability to make it happen combine their resources and do it as a team effort.  

When I first found out I was a finalist, it felt surreal; it had not sunk in until the middle of this week. I now realise that I have the weight of my country (maybe even my continent) on my shoulders, and as I venture out into the world to show that South Africa’s best can beat the best from the rest of the world, I would feel even more confident knowing that I have my country with me by my side!"

More information may be found at:  

http://LudwickMarishaneTheHeadboy.tumblr.com (personal blog)

Http://HeadboyIndustries.Tumblr.com (company blog) 

If you are interested in sponsoring Ludwick, please contact us now: info@afriversity.org

Thank you!

Afripreneur Ludwick Marishane makes us proud!

2010-10-14T03:49:00.000-07:00

Afriversity is honored to congratulate Ludwick Marishane for being selected as the South African Champion of the Global Student Entrepreneurship Awards 2010.

The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) is a catalyst that inspires students and young people to start and grow entrepreneurial ventures. The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards are a program of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO). The GSEA operates as an international series of competitions for student entrepreneurs who are attending a recognized high school, college or university, who own a for-profit business, are principally responsible for its operation, and have been generating revenue for a minimum of six consecutive months.

Ludwick is a budding entrepreneur with a passion for learning and mentoring others to unleash their true potential. In the last 3 years, he has authored and published a mobile dictionary; invented a healthy cigarette; and ultimately invented, developed and provisionally patented DryBath™. DryBath is a revolutionary germicidal Bath-substituting skin lotion, aimed at providing an alternative to conventional baths.

At only 20 years of age, Ludwick is an inspiration for the entire Afriversity Team and we wish him the best of luck.

Our fingers will be crossed on the 19th November!!

Afriversity Is Training Entrepreneurs In Africa

2010-10-12T02:41:00.000-07:00

Check out this blog entry from Mark Lovett at Global Patriot.

"Entrepreneurs have long been the engine of economic growth, combining creativity and capital to bring new ideas to fruition. Afriversity is focused on creating and supporting a new breed of world class, socially responsible, global entrepreneurs that will help Africa prosper in the new millennium."

Click here to read the entire article

SME Competitions/Opportunities

2010-10-12T02:32:00.000-07:00

SMALL BUSINESS CHAMPION AWARDS

The National Small Business Chamber's South African Small Business Champion Awards recognizes the tireless journey of small business success and provides business owners recognition for their outstanding achievements.

The awards programme acknowledges the hard work, efforts and achievements of the small business community across South Africa.

Deadline for entries: 15 October 2010

Register here: http://www.nsbc.org.za/project2.php

ENTRIES OPEN FOR CAPE TOWN ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMPETITION 2011

2010-10-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

The opportunity for fast-tracked access to funding, mentorship and global exposure has opened up for Cape Town entrepreneurs, with the launch of the third Cape Town Entrepreneur Competition, as part of Cape Town Entrepreneurship Week.

The competition focuses on technology and innovation in the fields of biotechnology, telecommunications and media, information and communication technology (ICT), ‘clean’ technology, healthcare and social entrepreneurship.
This year, the winners of the Startup and Growth tracks will each receive R50 000 in prize money, while the Idea Track winner will received R25 000. Apart from the cash prizes, the winners will also be considered for participation in further enterprise development and training programmes offered by the various partners of the City of Cape Town.

The competition opens for registration on 01 October 2010 and entries must be submitted by 15 December 2010. The winners are expected to be announced by February 2011.

ENROL on PARTNER PROGRAMME

2010-10-03T15:04:00.000-07:00

INVITATION to REGISTER for “How to Win Sales" - Course

The 'How to Win Sales’ course consists of weekly 3-hour sessions over 8 weeks with participants also having to complete 3 hours of self-paced online learning every week. Pilot results have shown significant and sustained improvements in sales by graduates of this course.

Wednesdays starting 13 October 2010 for 8 weeks in Phillipi

Click here to read pdf: TBP - How to Win Sales - Phillipi

Thursdays starting 14 October 2010 for 8 weeks in Cape Town CBD

Click here to read pdf: TBP - How to Win Sales - Ekapa

Courses filling up fast - reduction in fee available

Contact info@afriversity.org for more details on how to register!

The songs tackling Mozambique's sanitation woes

2010-10-01T06:22:00.000-07:00

Mozambique's biggest popstar doesn't always sing about eternal romance or lovelorn relationships. Feliciano dos Santos uses his songs to educate people about the importance of sanitation and hygiene.

The songs tackling Mozambique's sanitation woes - http://bit.ly/cNiQBE #cnn

Afriversity in Alingsås

2010-10-01T04:43:00.000-07:00

Afriversity CEO, Thorgeir Einarsson was interviewed for Alingsås´s local newspaper, Alingsås Kuriren.

He spoke about his experiences in Africa and the reasons behind setting up Afriversity and becoming a social entrepreneur.

To read the article, go to: http://www.alingsaskuriren.se/

African Dream Team to Gothenburg Book Fair

2010-09-30T14:15:00.000-07:00

Some of Africa's most exciting contemporary writer's, including Lubna Ahmed al-Hussein, Petina Gappah and Kopano Matlwa visited the Gothenburg Book Fair this year. Between them they have won The Orange Award, the Wole Soyinka Prize, the Noma Award and The Guardian's First Book Prize. They have also been nominated for the Pushcart Prize, listed as the ‘New Literary Idol' by New York Magazine, acknowledged by International PEN and praised by media the world over.

Afriversity Founder, Thorgeir Einarsson and Founding Fellow, Natasha Avidan got the chance to meet some of these inspirational personalities and tell them about Afriversity.

We met with the EU Literary Award-winning Kopano Matlwa, one of South Africa’s most vibrant young writers. A medical graduate, Kopano is the author of the critically acclaimed novel Coconut. She is a founding member and chairperson of Waiting Room Education by Medical Students, a non-profit organisation run by students and is a 2010 Rhodes Scholar. She was so impressed with our initiative in South Africa.

The Reverend Mpho A. Tutu, daughter of Archbisop Desmond Tutu, wrote a note of encourage and sent her blessings to the entire Afriversity Team (see photo)

Author Henning Mankell´s novels about detective Kurt Wallander and the African girl Sofia has made him into one of the best selling authors in the world. Thorgeir managed to greet one of his idols before listening to his stories from Mozambique.

Many of the African writers said that they had never visited a better fair! It was wonderful! What an experience!

Afriversity's Natasha Avidan on Developing African Entrepreneurs and Following Her Heart

2010-08-13T07:46:00.000-07:00

GloWoman recently interviewed one of our Founding Fellows, Natasha Avidan on the reasons why she got involved with Afriversity.

GloWoman is an online site created by Bettina Moss, who is an entrepreneur herself and an inspiration to many. Bettina owns a marketing company called BettinaBranding (www.bettinabranding.com) and has worked with companies such as Woolworths, Vital Health Foods, Associated Magazines Corporate, O the Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan, BoE Private Clients and WWF (UK), helping them to deliver business growth.

Here is a snippet from the interview:

How did you become involved with Afriversity?

"Simple...I fell in love...I fell in love with the project and I fell in love with South Africa. One of my guiding principles in life has been to follow my heart and my heart was leading me to South Africa.

I was working for an IT company in Sweden when I met the founder of Afriversity. Running a marketing department for a global IT company was challenging but I felt that I needed another project. Something that was driven by passion, inspiration and was aimed at making a difference in people’s lives. I have been lucky enough to meet a handful of people in my life journey that guided me, helped me grow, made me challenge myself or simply appreciate and embrace myself as a strong and driven woman.

It would be wonderful for everyone to have this opportunity and I will try my hardest to pay forward what I have received.

Many people give up before even trying. We must help others around us to be strong and believe in themselves and their abilities. Every one of us can make a difference.
Take the examples of Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Ghandi..these are individuals who set out to help.
They didn't think about being one person out to change the world but they thought about making the world a better place by influencing others to help change the world.
I believe that everyone can change the world, if each of us performs one random act of kindness at least once a day.

It all starts with YOU and YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!"

Read the whole interview here: GloWoman Interview

INTEGRATED BUSINESS & OWNER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

2010-07-24T06:59:00.000-07:00

Where will your business be in August 2013 (3-years from now)? What will it look like? What will you be doing? Do you have a clearly defined strategy to ensure growth and success or are you 'flying blind' like so many business owners today? Do you own your business or does the business own you?

Do you want to develop and implement new strategies and workable plans that ensure growth and sustainability of your business? Do you need support and help on this 'sometimes lonely' journey of establishing and growing your business?

Now that the Soccer WC is finished - it is back to business as usual.... or is it?
What does the next 3 to 6 months hold for you and your business?

Is it about growth, sustainability or just survival?

Whichever one it is, we invite you to apply for Afriversity's Phase One, Business Owner Assistance Programme running between August and October 2010. This development journey, together with other business owners will help you to:

1) Consolidate your business
2) Identify new opportunities and
3) Develop business growth plans...

Register here and we will send you more details...

Dates: 10, 11, 12 August – 7, 8, 9 September – 5, 6, 7 October 2010

This 3-month intensive development opportunity will change the way you do business now and in the future.

Thanks to the support of key sponsors we are able to offer the entire 3-month business and owner development programme at a fee of only R500, a fraction of the real cost .

To be considered for this opportunity Click Here and complete the online application form.

Afriversity Cape Town:

A place for local "Afripreneurs" to meet & share successes & lessons & inspire & encourage each other as we develop growing, sustainable businesses

For more info contact:
Pauline 021 418 0450 adminsa@afriversity.org

2010-06-10T13:58:00.000-07:00

A great report from McKinsey on Africa´s Growth Story

2010-06-01T22:53:00.000-07:00

Africa's economies experienced a marked acceleration in growth during the past ten years. This first package, part of a four-week series on the future of Africa, explores what factors underpinned Africa's development and the continent's prospects.

They conclude that if recent trends continue, Africa will play an increasingly important role in the global economy and the rate of return on foreign investment is higher in Africa than any other developing region. Global executives and investors can not afford to ignore this, Africa must be part of their long term planning. The time for businesses to act on these plans is now. Companies already in Africa should consider expanding.

Working together, businesses, the government and society can confront the continent´s challenge and lift the living standards of its people.

To read the report: http://www.mckinseyquarterly.com/Whats_driving_Africas_growth_2601

Think Better, Think Further, Think Faster

2010-05-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

Afriversity proudly presents Cognician, a marvelous South African innovation by Barry and Patrik Kayton, winners of the Idea Track Award at the Cape Town Entrepreneurship Competition 2010.

Cognician is a software platform for deploying book content in a new, dynamic, participative form. The tool turns books, training guides, articles, research papers and even blogs into thinking wizards to use on the web, the iPhone and the iPad. Cognician mimics the workings of an agile mind by allowing you to click your way through the thinking process. Cognician bridges the gap between what you know and what an expert knows. It does this by asking you all the right questions an expert would ask you. You simply enter the subject that you want to think about and Cognician asks you thought-provoking questions that guide you to think in innovative ways about that subject. The questions set the agenda for your thinking, helping you can see patterns and make connections that you might struggle to identify on your own. Cognician gives you all the know-how you need, just in time. Go from clueless to clued up in a couple of clicks.

Afriversity and the Kayton brothers are working on launching the product later on this year so watch this space!

For more information, please visit www.cognician.com

Congratulations to JO´M Cosmetics!!

2010-05-11T02:01:00.001-07:00

Afriversity would like to congratulate Johannah and Solomon, owners of JO´M Cosmetics for their nomination as a finalist in the Global Entrepreneurship Competition-Hit Barcelona 2010 !

HIT-Barcelona’10 is an international summit that will bring together CEOs, presidents, general directors, directors of innovation, businesspeople, entrepreneurs and investors from around the world in Barcelona on June the 16th and the 17th, 2010. They will size up the latest international tendencies in innovation and technology, identify new commercial innovations, network with the international innovation community and formalize new businesses and investments.

We wish Johannah and Solomon the best of luck and are crossing our fingers!!

You can read more about JO´M Cosmetics at www.jomcosmetics.co.za

Warm Welcome to New Afripreneurs!

2010-04-26T03:32:00.000-07:00

Afriversity would like to send a warm welcome to all the new participants that have started the Afriversity business training programme in Stellenbosch!

We look forward to learning more about you and your businesses!

There is no business like soul business!

2010-04-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

Today we met with two heartening and uplifting people, Anna and Stefan Jonsson. They own SAJ, an intermediary for speakers / lecturers and conference planning which encompasses an impressive list of celebrities, motivational speakers and job coaches. Their passion for their work is contagious and we praise their dedication to clients and good will. Watch this space for more news....in the meantime, read more about SAJ on www.saj.se

World Entrepeneurship Day Offer!

2010-04-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

In honour of World Entrepreneurship Day (Friday April 16th), Afriversity is offering a free three hour workshop for business owners in Cape Town. This 3-hour workshop will outline the broad strokes for developing a 3-year strategy and give introduction to various assistance programmes for those serious about business growth and sustainability.

If you wish to attend, please send an email or call Vuyokazi at the Business Place 021 371 3350 - vuyon@tbp.co.za.

Don´t miss this great opportunity!

Free 3-hour Strategy Workshop

2010-03-03T06:16:00.000-08:00

Forget about 2010 prepare now for 2013. Where will your business be in March 2013 (3-years from now)? What will it look like? What will you be doing? Do you have a clearly defined strategy to ensure growth and success or are you 'flying blind' like so many business owners today? Do you own your business or does the business own you?

Do you want to develop and implement new strategies and workable plans that ensure growth and sustainability of your business? Do you need support and help on this 'sometimes lonely' journey of establishing and growing your business?

Register NOW for Free Strategy 2013 Workshop. This 3-hour workshop will outline the broad strokes for developing a 3-year strategy and give introduction to Afriversity's 3-phase assistance programmes for those serious about business growth and sustainability. Register here and we will send you more details...

Afriversity Cape Town:
A place for local "Afripreneurs" to meet & share successes & lessons & inspire & encourage each other as we develop growing, sustainable businesses

Time: March 4th 2010 from 9am to 12pm
Location: To be announced
City/Town: Cape Town
Website or Map: http://www.afriversityct.ning
Phone: 021 418 0450

Stellenbosch course approved!

2010-02-16T08:28:00.000-08:00

Today we received confirmation that Afriversity is going to run a 3 month training programme in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

It will start within the next 6 weeks so stay tuned for more details.....

Because Good Deeds Make Good Business Sense

2010-02-09T07:17:00.000-08:00

The fast-changing events of 2009 reinforced how important it is to understand the undercurrents of change that shape our world—and determine the success of business strategy. Companies that anticipate underlying social, economic, technological, and political changes are positioned to win.

Join Afriversity, in partnership with KPMG and MAQs Law Firm to learn, grow, be inspired, make new connections from around the globe and become part of this expanding movement.

Date: Thursday, March 4th 2010
Location: MAQs Office, Östra Hamngatan 24, GBG
Time: 3pm-6pm

Price to attend: FREE!! (Places are limited and will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis)

Listen to companies that successfully integrate CSR within all areas of their business stand to gain financial and social benefits through the identification of new business opportunities, the strengthening of their brands and corporate reputation, the attraction and the retention of top employees, and recognition as trusted partner. Successful CSR integration also creates a climate that can enhance public acceptance and support.

For more information and register, go to ww.csr2010.org

Learn how to write a "VC ready" business plan

2010-01-28T04:28:00.000-08:00

Andrea Böhmert, co-managing partner of venture capital fund Hasso Plattner Ventures Africa, will present a workshop on how to write a business plan for technology startups on Friday 5 February 2010 from
13h00 - 15h00

Böhmert will highlight the typical shortcomings she sees in business plans submitted to her organisation, explain what she likes to see in business plans and provide useful guidelines to follow when submitting a business plan to a venture capitalist. This presentation will be followed by discussion and a question and answer session.

As only one out of every 100 business plans received by funders ever gets funded, this is a valuable opportunity to increase you chances of getting funding for your technology startup.

This event costs R 100 including VAT, unless you are a member of CITI, a student or academic, or a staff member of PGWC, CoCT or a non-profit organisation, in which case it is free.

RSVP to rsvp@citi.org.za

Street: 5th floor, 125 Buitengracht Street (between Pepper and Bloem St)
City/Town: Cape Town

Inspiration Injection and Window of Opportunity!

2010-01-08T04:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we met with some wonderful individuals that have started an organisation called Industries for Africa. The goal of the Industries for Africa Foundation is to aid the people in Africa in building the sustainable industrial infrastructure that they so desperately need. With the hard work and dedication of our patrons this goal can be reached in an entirely feasible way. It will begin with the production of 100 plantations, roughly 50 square kilometers each. These plantations will be used for the harvesting of the Jatropha nuts, which, while inedible, provide by-products that can be used in a variety of incredibly beneficial ways. These nuts can be harvested for up to 30 years and are comprised of around 38% oil. This oil is in turn refined for the creation of bio-diesel. Any remnants of the Jatropha nuts after the refining process are pressed into pellets which, when burned, create energy.

While it is the purpose of their organization to create the foundation of this industry, it will be the responsibility of the local citizens to carry on with it. Locals will be trained to proficiently perform any and all of the tasks required in order to keep this project running successfully for years to come. The plan is not to support the people of Africa financially but rather through a strong support system that revolves around the transference of knowledge. It is with your help accompanied by the generosity of others that we hope to achieve this goal and give the people of Africa the fighting chance they deserve.

Afriversity and Industries for Africa will work together to provide these individuals with the training and support they need to create a sustainable business.

Please meet our new friends and see if you can help:

http://www.industriesforafrica.com/

A New Year - New Opportunities

2010-01-06T01:07:00.000-08:00

This holiday season has been filled with love and laughter with family and friends but Afriversity was never far from our hearts. During the festivities, brainstorming and planning were in full swing and we are excited to start this new year with wonderful new opportunities and energy. Within the coming weeks, we will release information regarding partnerships with leading global corporations and new exciting opportunities for both our Afripreneurs and sponsors.

Watch this space...

Dear Afriversity Friend

2009-12-18T22:26:00.000-08:00

In my last visits to South Africa I was again reminded of the incredible entrepreneurial spirit that exists amid the tough economic conditions. South Africa has not escaped the global recession and unemployment is a whopping 24.5%. It's of course no better in neighbouring African states. Everyone is trying to find a way to sell their services and products. For many, starting and running a business is not a choice but a necessity to put food on the table.

So when I met our latest Afripreneurs during our small business development courses, I was so impressed by their resilience, determination and energy to want to learn how to better manage their businesses. They all want to go from survival mode to growing their business into sustainable ventures. They want to understand which tools are available to help them spring board their business. There is no lack of positive attitude towards learning. They are hungry! They just need more knowledge and skills, and mentors that believe in them as successful business people. They need the networks of contacts to expand sales and partnerships. They need access to loans and investment to realize their dreams.

We are also so excited to see the power of diversity in the South African entrepreneurship community. Although we believe in the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment programme (BBBEE), we believe even more in the potential of multi-cultural, multi-racial entrepreneurship networks that can draw on experiences from all cultures. I have personally witnessed first-hand the successes of multi-diversity management teams and I have always found it to be far superior to anything else. At Afriversity we are seeing the power of networking and we have set up an Afriversity social networking site for all our Afripreneurs and anyone else who wants to join the party! Please go to www.afriversityct.ning.com and enjoy the team spirit and contribute your blogs, ideas, inspirations, and share with other fellow entrepreneurs' experiences and resources.

Lastly, I want to thank our corporate and private sponsors as well as partners. Your donations are making a real difference. A difference to create new sustainable jobs and helping to make dreams happen.

It's coming up to the Festive Season so let that generous spirit flow into Afriversity!

With Seasonal Greetings and Wishes for a peaceful and prosperous year for everyone!

Love,

Thorgeir

Founder of Afriversity

The Time is Right to Invest in Africa!

2009-12-12T07:05:00.000-08:00

Whilst Tony Blair was Prime Minister, he put Africa at the heart of his foreign policy - from the Commission in Africa to the military intervention in Sierra Leone. Since leaving office, Tony Blair has renewed his commitment to Africa's development and economic growth by setting up the "Africa Governance Initiative". The Africa Governance Initiative is underpinned by two key principles that Tony Blair came to see as central to achieving the vision of a stable, prosperous Africa taking its rightful place in the world with an end to aid-dependence.

First, that good governance, including an effective centre of Government and a thriving public policy space, is essential for development.

Second, that growing Africa's private sector is the only long-term way to escape from poverty. Increased investment - including foreign direct investment - is vital to this.

Click here to listen to Blair´s enthusiasm and hope for Africa!

Do you have a great business idea but lack funding and resources?

2009-12-06T10:21:00.000-08:00

THIS IS YOUR LUCKY DAY!

Evo Media is sending a nationwide call for applicants for the Young Entrepreneur Programme

This exciting new programme is taking South Africa by storm. 24 young people will travel to the USA to receive world-class business training. Whilst there, they will work closely with professional US mentors and when the six weeks are over, these mentors return with them to South Africa to help them set up their own businesses.

The programme is creating a network of South African entrepreneurs who will have the skills and the support to help build a strong new youth owned business sector.

Apply immediately for an all expenses paid experience of a lifetime! Do not miss this amazing opportunity!

Click here to fill out the application form before 14 December 2009.

Good Luck!!

Thumbs up to a sustainable initiative!

2009-11-28T09:09:00.000-08:00

My Tree in Africa - has been introduced to give flying travellers the chance to offset the carbon impact of their flights and do some good in the South African communities. As the anticipated surge of visitors to South Africa arrive for the World Cup next year, My Tree in Africa will plant trees in under-privileged communities to provide shade and fruit, as well as sink the flight-associated carbon emissions.

Half a million visitors are expected for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, and this initiative is probably the only chance airline passengers will have to offset the impact of their travel. Each tree distributed to a community costs R90 and travellers can easily figure out the impact of their trip by using the ‘calculator’ on the My Tree in Africa site – www.mytreeinafrica.org . They can then feel good about flying to Africa and about “owning” a tree or two on the continent as well.

Trees absorb carbon dioxide, are a source of food, restore wildlife habitat, protect water quality, enhance public areas and this project creates jobs. Flying is one of the fastest growing causes of global warming - the average long haul flight produces 1.4 tonnes of carbon per passenger. One tree offsets four hours of travelling and every indigenous tree planted in South Africa absorbs in excess of 500kg of carbon during its lifetime.....so start planting!!

2009-11-09T13:46:00.001-08:00

Innovation = Job Creation, it's a simple equation!

Inspirational Speech by Dr. Randy Pausch

2009-10-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

Please take a few minutes to watch this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9ya9BXClRw

Let’s invest in Africa and keep welcoming her to the Business World!

2009-10-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

Today Time Magazine released an article featuring “10 Ideas Changing the World Right Now” in 2009. Idea number six specifically highlighted Africa as a prime business destination.

The article discusses that the perception of Africa has long been attributed to despair, war, diseases, corruption and famine. As a consequence of this view, a misconception exists concerning Africa’s growth opportunities; that they must all surely be related to suffering, aid programs, and donations. The article quickly dispels this myth with strong evidence that “aid is no longer Africa’s main source of foreign income. Africa is becoming a business destination.

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1884779_1884782_1884769,00.html

Afriversity´s Video Premiere!

2009-10-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

Some tips for attracting VC Investors!

2009-10-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

After reading numerous articles and blogs regarding attracting funding, let me share what I have learnt:

Customers:

Although the team and revenue is important, there appears to be new emphasis on the customer.

What compels the customer to buy the product or service?
What are the problems that this product or service solves? What are its unique selling points?
Why is it worth the price?
Are the customers asking if they can invest in the company?

Team:

The team is still a vital element of the equation, but the entrepreneur behind it is just as important. Here's what the investors are looking for in both:

Passion: The entrepreneur must display an excitement about their vision for the company.
Determination: The entrepreneur must prove that they have the stamina and willpower to stick with their vision.
Flexibility: The entrepreneur must be prepared to reevaluate and refocus their plans whenever necessary.
Commitment: The entrepreneur must be willing to invest enough of their own money into this project to convince investors that they are serious.
Teamwork: The entrepreneur's team must demonstrate they can work effectively together.
Coach-ability: The entrepreneur and their team must be coachable. No team knows everything they need to know to succeed.
Knowledge: Investors prefer to support teams that know their market by having backgrounds that are rich and impressive in the market niche.

Opportunity:

Investors want big impressive ideas. Ideas that can change the world, our behavior, culture or way of thinking. Ideas that can build $100-million-size companies. Anything less than that is too abstract and the risks of investing in a company are too great when the reward is so small. Investors can not afford to invest in opportunities that don´t have a huge payoff.

Many an entrepreneur fails because they don't know how to do this type of exercise enabling a good overview of the opportunity that may be ahead. Well, there you have it: the latest and deepest thinking from a sample of professional investors.

How do you match up? If you feel you have found areas that were lacking, find someone who can help you fix them before you approach anyone to invest. Your extra investment of time will significantly improve your chances for funding.

Marc Andreessen On Innovation

2009-10-15T03:24:00.000-07:00

Marc Andreesseen was one of the first people who saw the huge business opportunity the Internet would eventually become.

A legendary Silicon Valley entrepreneur, Marc founded Netscape (sold to AOL for $4 billion in 1999) and Loudcloud (sold to HP for $2 billion in 2007) and has helped nurture dozens of other startups over the years. In the exclusive interview below, he shares his wisdom on entrepreneurship, success, and the future of online technology

http://www.businessinsider.com/henry-blodget-marc-andreessen-on-innovation-full-interview-2009-9

Apprentice Nation

2009-09-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

All across South Africa - in every elementary and middle school - kids are crafting business plans, doing market research, balancing budgets, and hawking everything from hot dogs at 50 cents a pop to car washes for $7 each.In a dramatic bid to tackle this country's persistent unemployment rate of at least 35 percent, entrepreneurship has become a key part of the evolving post-apartheid curriculum. Students can't count on getting good jobs when they graduate, so they're being taught to create their own work - and help forge a kind of Apprentice Nation

Have you got an opportunity?

2009-09-18T23:18:00.000-07:00

Entrepreneurs are the engines that get the economic trains moving. Entrepreneurs organize and direct business undertakings. They assume the risk for the sake of the profit. Success often depends upon how skilled, innovative, and passionate entrepreneurs are about their ideas and dreams. An entrepreneur has exceptional vision, creativity, and determination and frequently creates entirely new industries. There is no shortage of entrepreneurs in Africa; in fact, over the centuries, there have always been entrepreneurs in Africa. Given the opportunity, entrepreneurs in Africa and from around the world will drive Africa's economic trains forward.

We need continual creation of opportunities for skilled, innovative, and passionate entrepreneurs in Africa to successfully implement their ideas, achieve their dreams, and bring benefits to their communities.

Have you got an opportunity? Share it with us!

Driving social change with an eye on the bottom line

2009-09-07T23:26:00.000-07:00

THERE is a Rolls-Royce, a Maserati, an Aston Martin and a couple of Porsches, but it is the Bugatti Veyron that occupies pride of place in the collection of fast cars owned by Sizwe Nxasana, the CE of FirstRand , the South African financial services group.

But the vehicles are models that line a shelf in
the Johannesburg office of the first black South African to head one of the country’s big four commercial banking groups. And the 52-year- old Nxasana is a very different kind of businessman to the politically well-connected black entrepreneurs known for their lifestyles and powerful motors.

At home in SA there are emerging markets, too. Nxasana sees the rise of a black middle class as crucial for the group’s prospects. “Just anecdotally, if you look at WesBank (an asset-based financing business) in the early 2000s, only about 5%-8% of new business came from the black population in terms of financing motor vehicles,” he says. “Today, that number is close to 40% or 45%. Therefore, there’s been a significant growth over the last couple of years of the contribution that comes from the black population into the economy. The same applies to home loans or other parts of our business.”

Moreover, Nxasana intends to build on FirstRand’s reputation for providing finance for black empowerment deals. “It is important that black people get an opportunity to create wealth for themselves,” he says

Nxasana now says that strategic priorities will be determined at the centre. “It is a much tighter definition and a lot more co-ordinated across the business units,” he says.

Part of this strategy includes bringing in more black and Asian managers so that the group will better reflect and understand the markets in which it is operating. Although this will take time, Nxasana says that efforts — such as the provision of grants to black students studying chartered accountancy and other financial disciplines — have picked up speed and been given more focus since his arrival. And despite dipping profits, the amounts contributed to social responsibility programmes have increased.

More generally, Nxasana is insistent about the need to increase the skills and knowledge of black students, whose underperformance in areas such as maths and science is a source of acute concern to the government.

Afriversity is a strong believer in education being the most powerful tool to combat poverty and strives to give individuals the ability to dream again...

"Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought"

2009-08-28T23:18:00.000-07:00

Human progress is dependent on new ideas and the ability to implement them. Innovation is seen as the basis of economic growth and social reform. We must encourage and support innovation in every way possible, whether it is education, business strategy or science. Education builds an individual´s ability to innovate. Let´s educate and innovate!

Beatles reunion benefits SA

2009-08-26T03:21:00.000-07:00

A charity concert in which former Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr performed together for the first time in seven years, is expected to bring Transcendental Meditation to thousands of school children in South Africa

The “Change From Within” benefit concert took place in New York on Saturday, in support of the David Lynch Foundation for Consciousness-Based Education and World Peace. The aim of he concert is to bring meditation to 1 million at-risk school children across the world.

Last day of filming

2009-08-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

KHOISAN PICTURES have spent the day filming our lectures at Stellenbosch as well as interviewing some Afripreneurs. They are a great team to work with and we are excited to see the end result. Check out their website for more info: www.khoisanpictures.co.za

Keep the tape rolling...

2009-08-19T13:19:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we start adding the final footage to our promo video! Stay tuned to our website to see the final product!

Courses started - Feedback great!

2009-08-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Two of our founding fellows, Brian Adams and Thorgeir Einarsson are currently in Stellenbosch assisting business owners in adopting a strategic approach and mapping out a workable plan that ensures future growth and sustainability. The feedback is amazing! Well done guys!

Introducing the new kids on the block

2009-08-18T09:42:00.000-07:00

Afriversity is a not-for-profit organisation working to release existing entrepreneurial potential in Africa. We offer a practical and individualised entrepreneurial development programme that combines hands-on business education, training and incubation, designed to help budding entrepreneurs.