City spearheads first of a kind entrepreneurship ecosystem symposium

The City’s Department of Economic Development (DED) is preparing to host a Joburg Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Symposium to address and improve entrepreneurial ecosystems, in order to grow the economy and facilitate job creation. Catering for delegates drawn from the City’s seven regions, the Symposium is set to take place at the Joburg Theatre on 23 & 24 October 2017.

This will be the first entrepreneurship ecosystem symposium in Johannesburg – a gathering of government, private sector, educational institutions, NGO’S and, most importantly, entrepreneurs. The purpose of the entrepreneurship ecosystem symposium is to create actionable plans that will assist in growing entrepreneurship.

“As per the department of Economic Development’s 17/18 Financial Year deliverables, we have committed to increased regional economic development and support towards entrepreneurial development. In order to succeed, such an approach can only work through stronger alignment between the department and regional offices as well as collaboration between the city, private sector and small businesses,” says Leah Knott, Member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for Economic Development.

“This is a citywide event, looking at affirming the city’s position on entrepreneurship and future working groups with regional offices, small business, the private sector (Business Chambers), academics and industry players.”

Leading up to the citywide symposium will be a series of Regional Economic Summits, which the DED will run in partnership with the regions.