Western Cape Funding Fair 2015

Are you a Western Cape business owner or entrepreneur?

Do you need funding to take your business or project to the next level?

Then the Western Cape Funding Fair 2015 is the ideal opportunity for you to tap into the markets and available funding. 

The Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), in partnership with Deloitte, will host the Western Cape Funding Fair to facilitate face-to-face contact between project promoters, entrepreneurs and various funding institutions from across different regions in the province. 

The rationale behind the fair is to get as many project promoters, to pitch their ideas to as many funders and investors as possible, in a focused one-day session. The aim is to educate and empower project promoters and entrepreneurs on the holistic approach and processes to follow in turning ideas into bankable business plans, that have a higher probability of attracting the right type of funding and investment.

The Funding Fair format comprises the following three elements:

• Project pitches: The Top 50 pre-selected project promoters/entrepreneurs are given a 20-minute slot to pitch their business plans to a group of funding bodies. The projects attracting interest with funding bodies will be contacted to open discussions.
   
• Topic presentations: Topical sessions will be held throughout the day by Deloitte specialists and external speakers. Project promoters and general delegates are invited to attend the presentations and network with the presenters.
   
• Exhibition: Each funding body has the opportunity to set up an exhibition stand to promote their business products and services as well as connect with the attendees at the Funding Fair.

According to Deloitte Western Cape regional leader Marius Alberts, they recognise "the important role that SMEs play in our economy and are proud to partner with Government to provide a unique platform for funders to connect with business owners and stimulate economic growth in the Western Cape region”.

Who is Invited to Get Involved? 

Funders

Invitations to the Western Cape Funding Fair will be extended across the funding landscape to commercial banks, venture capital fund managers and development finance institutions (DFIs).

Projects/Businesses Seeking Acceleration

• Bankable, sustainable, and profit-seeking businesses that require a minimum of R10 million in funding
• Projects or businesses based in the Western Cape only

Delegates

Delegates include anyone who might be interested in attending the Funding Fair. It is open to all and will provide the opportunity to engage with funders and attend topical presentations and plenary sessions. 

Delegates are invited to attend free of charge and should register their attendance via the official Western Cape Funding Fair website.

The Timeline:

• 6 November 2014 – 31 January 2015
  • ​Applications open for funding via the official Western Cape Funding Fair website. 
     
• 31 January 2015 
  • ​Applications close.
     
• 16 February 2015
  • ​Announcement of shorlisted finalists.
     
• Early March 2015
  • Preparation workshop - Finalist workshop to prepare for pitch session.
     
• 18 March 2015
  • ​The Western Cape Funding Fair Event at Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) (08:30-17:00)
    • Qualifying entrepreneurs and project promoters are given the opportunity to pitch their business propositions and funding requests to a panel representing major funding bodies.
    • Workshops are held simultaneously to empower project promoters and entrepreneurs with a holistic approach and the processes to follow in turning ideas into bankable business plans in order to attract the right type of funding and investment.
    • Funders will have the opportunity to exhibit at the fair and engage with project promoters and the general public regarding the funding they offer.
       
• 19 March 2015
  • Funders have the opportunity to have one-on-one follow up meetings, with projects that are of interest to them (held at the Deloitte offices in Green Point, Cape Town).

“We know that project funding is a stumbling block for many entrepreneurs. Through this Funding Fair, which is a joint initiative between government and business, we are aiming to address this Better Together” Alan Winde, Western Cape Minister of Economic Opportunities, said.

For more information on the terms and conditions:
Download the information brochure.

Listen to the official radio ad in English:

deloitte.mp3