Training Schedule
JULY - AUGUST
Tools and Knowledge Workshop
Foundations of Entrepreneurship with Tech Startups
July 3, 2024
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Karen Eksteen
Content Headlines
- Understanding Entrepreneurship in the Tech Startup Context
- Navigating the Tech Startup Ecosystem
Learning Outcomes
- Participants will understand the fundamental principles of entrepreneurship as they apply to tech startups.
- Participants will gain insight into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by tech entrepreneurs.
- Participants will be able to identify the key components of the startup ecosystem the roles of various stakeholders within the tech startup environment.
Outputs
- A solid grasp of the definition and importance of entrepreneurship in the tech industry.
- Interactive discussions on the entrepreneurial mindset and its application in tech startups.
- Exploration of the resources and support systems available for tech startups.
Leadership and Self-Management
July 10, 2024
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Naadiya Moosajee
Content Headlines
- Principles of Effective Leadership
- Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence
- Decision-Making and Problem-Solving
- Building and Leading High-Performing Teams
Learning Outcomes
- Develop effective leadership skills for guiding a technology venture
- Apply self-management techniques to enhance personal productivity and well-being.
- Identify and leverage personal strengths for entrepreneurial success.
Outputs
- Personal development plan focusing on leadership skills.
- Self-assessment report highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
- Sample pitch or presentation showcasing persuasive communication skills.
Communication Skills
July 17, 2024
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Akosua Annobil
Content Headlines
- Effective Verbal Communication
- Written Communication and Business Correspondence
- Nonverbal Communication and Body Language
- Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Skills
Learning Outcomes
- Enhance communication skills for effective team collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
- Develop persuasive communication strategies for pitching ideas and securing partnerships.
- Cultivate active listening skills to better understand stakeholder needs and preferences.
Outputs
- Communication strategy plan for effective stakeholder engagement.
- Sample pitch or presentation showcasing persuasive communication skills
Business Planning and Strategy
July 24, 2024
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Karen Eksteen
Content Headlines
- Business Model Development and Evaluation
- Setting SMART Goals and Objectives
- SWOT Analysis and Risk Management
- Strategic Planning and Execution
Learning Outcomes
- Create a comprehensive business plan outlining goals, strategies, and key performance indicators.
- Develop a strategic roadmap for business growth and expansion.
- Identify potential risks and challenges and develop mitigation strategies.
Outputs
- Draft of a business plan outline tailored to the participant’s venture.
- Risk assessment matrix identifying potential risks and mitigation strategies.
In-depth Market Research
August 1, 2024
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitator: TBC (Layina Oudrhiri)
Content Headlines
- Introduction to Market Research
- Research Methods and Techniques
- Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Market Segmentation and Targeting
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the importance of market research in business decision-making
- Learn different market research methods and when to use them
- Analyze market data to identify trends and opportunities
- Segment markets and target specific customer groups
Outputs
- Market research plan outline
- Initial market research report
Risk Management and Perception
August 7, 2024
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Marnis Von Weidts
Content Headlines
- Understanding and mitigating risks in technology adoption (IO4)
- Practical exercises to improve risk perception (IO4)
- Tools for assessing and managing risk (IO5, IO6)
Learning Outcomes
- Recognise the importance of risk management in technology enterprises.
- Develop a positive perception of risk to support technology entrepreneurs.
- Implement risk management techniques in real-world scenarios.
- Enhance the ability to make informed decisions in uncertain environments.
Outputs
- A report assessing the risks associated with a specific technology or entrepreneurial venture and applying risk management techniques in various scenarios.
AUGUST
In-depth Market Research and Product Market Fit
Market Research and Expansion Strategies
August 13, 2024
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Dean Gichukie
Content Headlines
- Identifying Market Expansion Opportunities
- International Market Entry Strategies
- Strategic Partnerships and Alliances
- Scaling Business Operations
Learning Outcomes
- Identify opportunities for market expansion
- Develop strategies for entering new markets
- Form strategic partnerships to accelerate growth
- Scale business operations effectively
Outputs
- Market expansion plan
- Partnership proposal
Product Market Fit Strategies
August 15, 2024
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Dean Gichukie
Content Headlines
- Defining and measuring product-market fit
- Adapting products to meet market demands
- Case studies of successful product-market fit strategies
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the concept of product-market fit and its importance in business success.
- Learn methods and metrics for measuring product-market fit.
Develop strategies to adapt and refine products based on market feedback and demands. - Implement iterative processes to continuously align products with market needs.
Outputs
- Product Market Fit Analysis Report
- Product Adaptation Plan
Product Development and Prototyping
August 20, 2024
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Dean Gichukie
Content Headlines
- Product Development Lifecycle
- Design Thinking Principles
- Prototyping Techniques
- Iterative Improvement Process
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the product development lifecycle and its stages
- Apply design thinking principles to product development
- Create prototypes to test and refine product ideas
- Implement iterative improvements based on user feedback
Outputs
- Product concept prototype
- Iterative improvement plan
Customer Validation and Feedback
August 22, 2024
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Mandisa Makubalo
Content Headlines
- Methods for gathering customer feedback
- Using feedback to refine product offerings
- Tools for customer relationship management
Learning Outcomes
- Understand various methods for collecting customer feedback.
- Analyze customer feedback to identify areas for improvement.
- Gain knowledge of tools and techniques for managing customer relationships.
Outputs
- Customer Feedback Collection Plan
- Product Refinement Report & CRM Implementation Plan
Building Resilience for Entrepreneurial Success
August 28, 2024
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Dr. Sharon Munyaka
Content Headlines
- Making Sense of Resilience
- Resilient Mindset for your Entrepreneurial Journey
- Goal Setting for your Entrepreneurial Journey
- Stress Management, Wellness and Self-Care
Learning Outcomes
- Defining resilience
- Importance of resilience in entrepreneurship
- Identifying personal resilience strengths and areas of improvement
- Understanding Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset
- Power of abundance mindset vs deficit mindset
- Remaining positive during challenging times
- Setting SMART Goals
- Understanding stress
- Recognizing types of stressors and impact on the entrepreneur
- Stress management techniques and self-care strategies
Outputs
- Crafting your personal resilience plan
- Setting long-term resilience goals
SEPTEMBER
Commercialisation – A pathway to scaling and funding
Financial Preparedness Evaluation
September 4, 2024
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Warren Cronje
Content Headlines
- Financial Health Assessment
- Budgeting and Forecasting
- Investment Readiness
- Financial Decision Making
Learning Outcomes
- Assess the financial health of the business
- Create budgets and forecasts for better planning
- Prepare for investments and funding opportunities
- Make informed financial decisions to drive growth
Outputs
- Financial health assessment report
- Budget and forecasting plan
Investor Relations and Funding
September 11, 2024
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Diego Arias Garcia
Content Headlines
- Understanding Investor Needs and Expectations
- Creating a Compelling Pitch Deck
- Negotiating Term Sheets
- Financial Planning and Forecasting
Learning Outcomes
- Understand investor motivations and expectations
- Develop a compelling pitch deck for fundraising
- Negotiate term sheets and investment agreements
- Create financial forecasts and plans to attract investors
Outputs
- Pitch deck for investors
- Financial forecast for funding requirements
Investor Pitch Preparation
September 18, 2024
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Kristian Roberts
Content Headlines
- Crafting an Effective Investor Pitch
- Pitch Deck Essentials
- Presentation Skills and Delivery
- Handling Investor Q&A
Learning Outcomes
- Develop and deliver an effective investor pitch
- Create a compelling pitch deck
- Improve presentation skills for investor meetings
- Handle investor questions and objections confidently
Outputs
- Investor pitch presentation
- Revised pitch deck
Sustaining Growth and Innovation
September 26, 2024
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Josh Choi
Content Headlines
- Techniques for maintaining momentum post-funding
- Continuous innovation and adaptation strategies
- Case studies of long-term success stories
Learning Outcomes
- Techniques for maintaining momentum post-funding
- Continuous innovation and adaptation strategies
- Case studies of long-term success stories
Outputs
- Recap of effective techniques and strategies for sustaining growth and innovation
- Practical advice for organizations looking to implement similar strategies
UVU Africa proudly serves as the designated training partner for the AFRICA TECH STARTUP FORUM. Committed to shaping a future-ready and inclusive society, UVU Africa leverages innovation and technology to drive the growth of a diverse digital economy. Our approach encompasses business incubation, skills development, and impactful projects that unlock industry potential. Through open innovation and collaboration, we contribute to ecosystem development, fostering an environment conducive to growth. At UVU Africa, we empower and support African entrepreneurs by providing tech enablement, mentorship, and strategic ecosystem access, delivering comprehensive and customized support to ensure their growth and success.
UVU AFRICA'S TRAINING PROCESS
UVU Africa’s training process involves a structured program aimed at equipping entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to develop and grow their technology-based businesses. UVUAfrica will supply a supportive environment where startups can receive mentorship, access to facilities, networking opportunities, and guidance from experienced professionals.
THE TRAINING AND WORKSHOP
The training and workshop program will provide comprehensive training and workshops to the cohort of Technology Ventures. These sessions will cover an array of relevant topics.