USSAVI, an entrepreneurship development initiative backed by a diverse network of influential organisations and advisors, is supported by the United States Embassy in South Africa.
Each year, USSAVI selects South African and United States university students to participate in its six-month programme. The students are grouped into multinational teams, each tasked with developing a unique social venture.
Throughout the programme, participants receive intensive training in entrepreneurship, design thinking, and social impact. They also have opportunities to connect with mentors, investors, and potential partners from both South Africa and the United States.
Shongwe, along with other innovators, worked on developing and pitching business ideas through this fully online incubator.
"It was a transformative experience that pushed me to my limits. We had to work in teams, refine our ideas, face real-world challenges, and receive mentorship from seasoned professionals. I was placed in a team with a PhD candidate and two students from DUT.
"My business idea, focused on hydroponics, was selected as one of the top 10 to be developed. At first, it was challenging, as we worked entirely online and didn’t even know each other. We lost two teammates due to a lack of participation, but with the support of our mentors and sheer persistence, we kept pushing through," he explains.
As the 'Hydro Harvest Innovators,' the team encountered setbacks such as late assignments and lagging individual contributions, which affected their leaderboard scores.
"However, with the guidance of our mentors, we improved, especially in the week leading up to pitch day. After receiving feedback, we worked to refine our ideas until they were perfect. All the hard work paid off when I pitched on behalf of the team, and we won."
The prizes included intensive training in Pretoria, certificates, medals, a trip to the United States, a six-month mentorship, and even funding opportunities for their startup.
Shongwe added, "I’m thrilled to have made it this far. The UMP Centre for Entrepreneurship pushed us to think critically and adapt quickly. Working with a team we’d never met in person, while tackling complex business problems remotely, was a true test of our persistence and creativity."
"I’m grateful to USSAVI and the University of Mpumalanga Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (UMPCFERI) for the support and opportunity to be part of this transformative journey."
The USSAVI programme provides participants with a comprehensive entrepreneurial experience, including:
- Intensive training in entrepreneurship, design thinking, and social impact.
- The opportunity to work with a diverse team of international peers.
- Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and business professionals.
- Access to a network of potential investors and partners.
- The chance to launch their social venture.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.