Tech in Africa
V&A Waterfront has unveiled the first kitchen incubator programme by inviting applicants. The initiative is part of a joint partnership with the National Treasury’s Jobs Fund.
This kitchen incubator is one phase of Makers Landing a space that will open at the V&A waterfront cultivating skills and creating jobs in the food industry. The programme also promotes innovation in the food sector and encourage the exchange of knowledge and skills among food experts and entrepreneurs.
The incubator programme is housed in the Cape Town Cruise Terminal. Makers Landing will have a transformative impact on the space, promoting diversity, inclusivity, growth, and innovation among budding food entrepreneurs. In addition to the programme, there will be an event space and a kitchen studio, all of which celebrate South Africa’s foods. Eateries and market stalls will give the customers a glimpse of the preparation processes involved, adding to the general appeal and authenticity.
Applicants can now make their submissions while the window remains open. Once shortlisting is set, the programme should run for 6 months – 2 sessions every week conducted through a virtual online class, an in-class setting, and tasked assignments. Content for the programme was developed by Stellenbosch University’s LaunchLab and expertise from experts in the industry.
Qualifications for the incubator programme are:
- Over 6 months but less than 3 years of experience running a small food business.
- Desire to expand and take the business formally
- An entrepreneurial spirit
- Business vision
- A support network
All applicants will go through a competitive process that will take into count practicability considerations that include kitchen space. Those that appear promising will be interviewed by the Makers Landing team alongside a committee made up of seasoned professionals in the food industry.
You can submit your applications here before 23 October 2020.
