[Atteridgeville, Pretoria] – [11 July 2023] – Nkomo Village Shopping Center and Pheli Ridge, a community development organization in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, are pleased to announce their partnership with Startup Kasi and the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) to launch monthly Startup Huddle events. Since their launch in August 2021, the organizers are excited to expand to a new location: Nkomo Village Shopping Center in Atteridgeville, Pretoria. The Startup Huddle event will take place on a monthly basis from Monday, July 17th at 1 PM.

Startup Huddle is a free program designed by the Global Entrepreneurship Network to empower local entrepreneurs by providing them with the resources, networks, and support they need to succeed. Each event will feature two entrepreneurs who will present their businesses to a panel of experts and the startup community. The panelists will offer valuable feedback and advice to help the entrepreneurs improve their businesses.

In addition to the presentations, Startup Huddle will include networking sessions for attendees to connect with other local entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors. The Startup Huddle program will  will also feature various workshops and panel discussions covering topics such as business planning, marketing, and fundraising; supported by Pheli Ridge.

"I am thrilled about the new opportunities arising for the community of Atteridgeville. The collaboration between different companies and organizations can uplift and benefit not only the entrepreneurs but also be a new breeding ground for future job opportunities," said Anne-Marie, Marketing Manager at Safari Investments. "I believe GEN's Startup Huddle will have a positive impact on existing and aspiring entrepreneurs, promoting better business practices and creating networking opportunities. Good networking, based on trust and support, can make the difference between a mediocre business career and a phenomenal one. With the right approach, this Startup Huddle can provide the opportunity to build mutually beneficial relationships with other entrepreneurs in Atteridgeville and surrounding areas."

"Most businesses in our ecosystem lack the ability to start or conceptualize their ideas; lack of support is also a challenge. This platform is what is missing in Atteridgeville; it would be a home for emerging entrepreneurs," said Thabang Magodielo, CEO of Pheli Ridge. "I can't wait to see this program implemented; the sooner we start, the better. I am truly looking forward to the GEN Startup Huddle in Atteridgeville."

"We're extremely proud and excited to collaborate with Pheli Ridge and Nkomo Village in their efforts to empower local entrepreneurs. I believe everyone has the potential to be an entrepreneur, and given the right resources and mentorship, success is imminent," said Motsile Sebopa, co-founder of Startup Kasi. "We believe that this partnership will help create a more vibrant and entrepreneurial community in Atteridgeville, Pretoria."

Helping one entrepreneur at a time, Startup Huddle is open to all entrepreneurs, regardless of their stage of business development. The first edition of Startup Huddle will focus on The Art of Digital Marketing. To register for the event, please visit: https://www.genglobal.org/south-africa/startup-huddle-atteridgeville-art-digital-marketing 

About Nkomo Village

Nkomo Village is a shopping center in Atteridgeville, Pretoria developed by Safari Investments. The center is very passionate about supporting entrepreneurial activity, community development and creating job opportunities in Atteridgeville. Nkomo Village is committed to creating a vibrant and prosperous community for all.

About Pheli Ridge

Pheli Ridge is a non-profit community development organization in Atteridgeville, Pretoria. The organization works to improve the lives of youth in the area by providing a variety of programs and services, including education, job training, and economic development. Pheli Ridge is committed to creating a more equitable and prosperous community for all.

About Startup Kasi

Startup Kasi is an entrepreneurial hub on a mission to support entrepreneurs in townships and rural towns nationally. The organization provides a variety of resources and services, including mentorship, training, and access to capital. Startup Kasi is committed to helping entrepreneurs build successful businesses that create jobs and economic opportunities in Atteridgeville, Pretoria.