From today until Sunday, the Soweto Theatre will play host to the Gauteng Township Economy Business Week (GTEB Week 2017) and Funding Convention, aimed at driving the growth of the African economy through entrepreneurship.

Sponsored by Standard Bank and  South African Black Entrepreneurs Forum (SABEF) in association with the Department of Small Business Development, GTEB aims to address the issues of access to funding and enterprise development opportunities for township entrepreneurs in Gauteng, especially in disadvantaged areas.

Over the four days, various workshops, business showcase, panel discussions and a food and crafts stall will be held. Over 5 000 entrepreneurs from Soweto and surrounding Gauteng townships will also have the opportunity to discuss the main issues hindering their success with government organisations, enterprise development organisations, funding agencies, banks, investment companies and venture capitalists.

“The aim of GTEB Week is to deal with the issue of financing and funding for black entrepreneurs,” said Lebo Gunguluza, SABEF Founder “We want township entrepreneurs to get better access to funding and enterprise development opportunities.”