ABOUT

The Pathways to Funding Do-ference was started by the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship  in 2015 to build a supportive and inclusive ecosystem for (social) entrepreneurs to gain access to the information, training and network needed to reach their potential. Launching in Durban and Johannesburg in 2016, nearly 600 entrepreneurs now make up the Pathways to Funding community.

The Do-ference aims to provide early stage (social) entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools and connections to go out and raise funding for their business. By “(social) entrepreneur”, we are referring to entrepreneurs who’s businesses are having an impact – whether social, environmental or even economic within their community. The Do-ference aims to include entrepreneurs from township and low income areas where access to this sort of resources is limited, and therefore scholarships are available thanks to our generous funding partners. 

How does a “DO”-ference work?

There are no panel discussions or top-down talks at the Do-ference. Sessions are laid back and interactive, focussing on practical tools and examples. Three to Four sessions run at one time in each city along three tracks (IDEATION, INCUBATION and GROWTH), so you’ll be able to design your own programme based on the stage of your business. You’ll also have a chance to sit down with one of the speakers during a one-on-one session that you’ll book on registration at the Do-ference. Lots of networking, lots of sharing – you’ll walk away with the knowledge and connections to apply directly to your business.