Startup Huddle Pretoria: Empowering youth entrepreneurs for job creation

The newly-launched Startup Huddle in Pretoria, a global initiative by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) in partnership with Tshwane University of Technology's (TUT) Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, aims to empower youth to become job creators through entrepreneurship.

Mpilenhle Radebe, marketing manager for Pretoria’s Startup Huddle said the goal is to create a supportive environment where entrepreneurs can learn, build, and grow.

"We have an unemployment crisis in South Africa and we're trying to curb this by bringing all these major stakeholders together," she said.

The initiative provides a dynamic and inclusive platform for local entrepreneurs, startups, and changemakers to share challenges, gather feedback, and build connections that foster growth and development. 

Each month, Startup Huddle Pretoria will focus on a different industry, such as fintech, manufacturing, agribusiness, green technology, and creative fields, promoting sector diversity and driving innovation.

Dr Patrick Ebewo, founder of a local Startup Huddle, said the initiative arrives at a crucial time for Pretoria's entrepreneurs, particularly youth and township-based founders who face obstacles in securing networks, funding, and mentorship.

Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, deputy vice-chancellor for research, innovation & engagement at TUT, described the launch as a major milestone for the City of Tshwane, the university, and the entrepreneurial community. 

She expressed confidence that the initiative will spark innovation, collaboration, and opportunity.

She also noted that the TUT-GEN partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration between institutions, industry leaders, and global networks.

"Startup Huddle is more than an event - it's a movement that brings entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers together to share their journeys, learn from one another, and create a supportive community where ideas can grow into enterprises that change lives," she  said.

The platform aims to provide local entrepreneurs with visibility, mentorship, and the networks they need to thrive. 

Papu-Zamxaka added that TUT is committed to nurturing innovation, fostering entrepreneurship, and driving impactful research that addresses the needs of society. 

Through Startup Huddle, TUT and GEN aim to bridge existing gaps and create a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in Tshwane, empowering young people to become job creators and driving inclusive economic growth.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za