City welcomes opening of Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at UWC
12 October 2024
Alderman Eddie Andrews, the City’s Deputy Mayor, welcomed the official opening of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) on 1 October 2024. The City of Cape Town views this as a critical step in addressing economic inequality and unemployment through entrepreneurship and innovation.
The Centre, established in 2013, has grown into a vital institution supporting aspiring student entrepreneurs and small business owners in surrounding communities. It offers a range of programmes to support the development and scaling of small businesses, fostering entrepreneurial growth and sustainable economic development.
Alderman Andrews emphasised the importance of collaboration between all stakeholders, from government to academia, and the private sector in creating an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive.
‘Government alone cannot tackle the triple challenge of poverty, inequality, and unemployment. It is through partnerships with institutions like UWC and the private sector that we can create pathways for change,’ said Alderman Andrews.
The City of Cape Town has committed significant resources to supporting entrepreneurship through various strategic initiatives. Investments in infrastructure development such as water, sanitation, and energy resilience, are crucial to empowering small businesses, particularly within township economies.
‘Infrastructure is the foundation of economic growth. We are spending billions over the next decade to upgrade and develop infrastructure across all communities,’ Alderman Andrews said.
The CEI also plays a crucial role in supporting community small businesses through programmes like the Fellows Leadership and Mentoring Programme and the Master Builders Project. These initiatives provide mentorship, financial support, and market access, enabling small businesses to scale up and contribute to local economic growth.
UWC's partnership with the City of Cape Town’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) will further empower small contractors in areas such as plumbing, building, and electrical services.
Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews noted that entrepreneurship ‘is not merely about starting businesses, but about empowering individuals, fostering resilience, and driving economic growth that benefits our communities’.
Highlighting the City’s investment in infrastructure to enable economic growth, Alderman Andrews emphasised that ‘small businesses are at the forefront of solving local challenges’, with the City’s support for affordable rental housing through the Small Scale Rental Units (SSRUs) programme standing as a prime example of entrepreneurship addressing social issues. This integrated approach not only creates jobs, but also drives sustainable development across Cape Town's communities.
With partnerships between UWC, the City of Cape Town, and corporate entities, the CEI is set to become a cornerstone in the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem, bridging gaps between emerging entrepreneurs and the resources they need to succeed.
‘The opening of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is a powerful milestone in our shared mission to uplift our communities, empower our people, and ensure that Cape Town remains a hub of innovation and opportunity for all,’ Alderman Andrews concluded.
The City is looking forward to seeing the impact the CEI will have on Cape Town’s economy, driving innovation and entrepreneurship across all sectors.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
