Left to right: Dr Johann Van der Spuy, Prof Ricardo Peters, Mr Chad Lucas and Ms Gail Mothlaudi.
This year, the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and Research (CEDAR) is intensifying its efforts to foster a robust entrepreneurial culture through impactful support, research and development activities.
The Centre’s focus on research, pedagogy, and enterprise development of entrepreneurship continues to be the focus in realising an entrepreneurship culture at SPU. These efforts include a successful regional entrepreneurship conference, which gathered thought leaders and innovators from across the region to discuss current trends and future directions in entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the Centre had the privilege of hosting a visiting professor, enhancing academic and practical insights into entrepreneurship education.
Additionally, CEDAR’s presence on national platforms has increased significantly, with members actively participating and contributing to discussions that shape the entrepreneurial landscape in South Africa.
EAO achievements and impact
The Entrepreneurial Action Office (EAO) under CEDAR has made notable strides in enhancing entrepreneurial initiatives. Some of the key activities and achievements from the past summer include:
- Community engagement: The organisation of two flea markets at SPU, which provided a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products, fostering a practical spirit of entrepreneurship among students.
- Leadership and collaboration: Inclusion of CEDAR’s director, Prof Peters, and another member on the steering committee of the Northern Cape Innovation Forum (NCIF), which plays a pivotal role in regional innovation strategies.
- Advisory roles: Participation in the ENACTUS inaugural Faculty Advisor Committee, furthering entrepreneurial education and social impact projects.
- Women’s empowerment: The launch of the Student Women Economic Empowerment Programme (SWEEP) celebrated International Women’s Day with a mini-workshop for 20 participants, aimed at empowering young women through entrepreneurship.
- Global and national engagement: Attendance at the Global Entrepreneurship Conference, with an invitation to contribute to the National Entrepreneurship Strategy by the Department of Small Business Development, highlighting CEDAR’s growing influence in shaping policy.
- Knowledge exchange: Benchmarking visits to various incubators and entrepreneurship centres, aimed at exchanging best practices and enhancing the effectiveness of SPU’s entrepreneurial programs.
Through these initiatives, CEDAR is not only advancing the entrepreneurial capabilities of its community but also positioning SPU as a leader in entrepreneurship education and development in the Northern Cape and beyond.
