01 Mar 2015

In a quest to create new sources of capital while bringing in tested business acumen to Botswana enterprises, Corporate Affairs has brought together a group of like-minded companies to create an entrepreneurship development known as Dreamers and Angles (D&A).

Speaking at launch of Dreamers and Angles on February 23 in Gaborone, Mr Thabiso Botlhole, the managing director of SDK Digital Lab, also one of the founding partners said the programme was geared towards bringing aspiring entrepreneurs and investors to create substantial profitable businesses.

He said Dreamers and Angles would also enhance the already existing business ventures by providing the much needed capital investment to these entities. Mr Botlhole said that would be a perfect opportunity to assist entrepreneurs with a development programme that involved identifying and assisting entrepreneurs with sustainable and potentially profitable business/ideas.

Explaining the platform, Mr Botlhole stated that D&A would be mandated to secure investment or funding from investors whom would be known as Angel Investors (AIs) in exchange for equity in their business. The project has been set up to assist the entrepreneurs with support functions including funding in exchange for equity in the business: mentorship from AIs post funding; business development through AI networks, empowerment via AIs Supply Chain.

It will also assist in preferential pricing for entrepreneurs and AIs on Marketing and Communication services offered by program partners. In addition, Mr Botlhole cautioned potential entrepreneurs that “this is not a grant nor a loan but an opportunity for promising business ideas, that are unique and that have potential to make profit.” The program is a collaborative effort between several companies that see value in developing sustainable entrepreneurship.

“Each of the partners have deliberately designed their service to bring value to the D&A participants by offering them preferential pricing and entrepreneurship friendly services,” said Mr Botlhole. Also, the partners who each bring on board a unique service offering to the business are Corporate Affairs, SDK Digital Lab, Yarona FM, The Patriot On Sunday, Badisa Communications, Incepta Communications, Khumo Capital and Manyepedza Attorneys.

Collectively these partners offer a “go-to market” platform for these funded businesses, which they would not otherwise access easily, and they help to formalise their structures early. For his part, the managing director of Incepta Communications, Mr Thabo Majola stated that was an opportunity for the culture of entrepreneurship in Botswana to flourish. 

He said it gives them the business expertise to survive, and to bring the investor close to the entrepreneur. Further, Mr Botlhole said that if one wants to participate in D&A, they follow a five simple stage process that would determine if one could benefit from the programme.

The stages are Coined Applications, Acceptance, and Pre-Screening, the Pitch/Interview, Due Diligence and Deal Conclusion. Applications are received every month until the 15^th.  The very first applications will be opened in March, and should one not be successful at pre-screening stage they can present their idea at the Open Pitch session which will be held once a quarter. ENDS