• The Department of Small Business Development and Africa’s Got Game have launched a small business incubator and digital hub in Mitchell’s Plain in the Western Cape.
• The centre offers business development and digital assistance to business owners looking for upskilling.
• It offers hybrid learnings, digital tools like 3D printers and more to boost skills for entrepreneurs.

On Wednesday, the Department of Small Business Development launched the Africa’s Got Game Incubation and Digital Hub at Mitchell’s Plain in the Western Cape. The Hub was launched in the hopes of providing services to small businesses based in townships in the surrounding areas, as well as helping small businesses to grow.

According to a statement from the department, the Incubation and Digital Hub will provide young business owners and entrepreneurs with skills development. Qualifying enterprise will be able to access these skills development programmes via a hybrid approach – digital and in person.

“This intervention seeks to enhance the sustainability of enterprises and to mitigate the risk of failure in the early stages of start-ups. It prioritises the development of vibrant township economies and localizations in surrounding communities,” the department explains.

Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams was on hand for the official launch of the Incubator, according to the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA).

CEO of the Digital Hub, Martine Solomon, says that the centre has VR, AR, online learning platforms, and 3D printers to aid small business owners.

Arthur Wade Anderson, chairperson of the Africa’s Got Game board, called the digital centre “world-class.” Africa’s Got Game says it is focused on leapfrogging micro businesses.

It’s “programs are designed to help new, existing or struggling early-stage businesses to develop into financially stable companies.  We accomplish this goal through a comprehensive process that includes an ongoing series of strategic and tactical meetings, a variety of business development services, business coaching, and other resources, such as digital productivity tools.”

While this incubator provides more hands-on help for small businesses, the Western Cape provincial government also offers a yearly edition of its SMME Booster Fund. Every year the province opens for applications to small businesses, looking for funding help.

This year, the local government is offering R9 million to small businesses across the province, with business development through capacity building, coaching, mentorship, technical support, software, digital tools and more.

Small business owners can contact Africa’s Got Game here.

[Image – Department of Small Business Development on X]