Telkom ploughs R100 million into SA entrepreneurs
Telkom has announced an investment of over R100 million in enterprise and supplier development with the launch of its FutureMakers programme.
FutureMakers focuses on driving innovation in the ICT sector by growing access to technology and by offering long-term support to its beneficiaries.
The new programme supports small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) with funding, business development and telecommunications services.
It will leverage Telkom’s own national footprint of products and services, resources, and assets, by providing funding, business support, technology and mentoring, Telkom said.
The FutureMakers programme comprises four pillars: FutureFund, FutureSource, FutureHub and FutureProof.
Through the FutureFund, Telkom is making an initial investment of R100 million to extend financial support to SMMEs that supply Telkom or that work within the broader ICT sector.
This funding will be in the form of working capital, loans and equity. Identity Development Fund managers have been appointed to manage the fund on behalf of Telkom.
In parallel with financial support, Telkom is also investing in local suppliers and partners as well as potential suppliers, third party distributors, internet cafes, and innovative ICT start-ups by helping them to become more competitive, through the FutureSource initiative.
Entrepreneurs who are part of the FutureSource initiative will receive business development support and training from some of South Africa’s top SMME development providers.
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