The Eight2Five Innovation Hub, powered by Old Mutual Zimbabwe in partnership with the British Council and British Embassy, has revealed the names of the top 12 entrepreneurs selected for the highly anticipated Value Creation Challenge 4 (VCC4) program.
VCC4 received an astounding 646 submissions, showcasing immense entrepreneurial drive and innovative talent thriving in Zimbabwe.
“Old Mutual Zimbabwe is excited by the influx of innovative ideas that are emerging from our young people who are the future of our nation. These ideas are not only meeting the needs of our country but also addressing them head-on.” Lillian Mbayiwa, Old Mutual Zimbabwe Group Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability Executive.
Following a rigorous application and evaluation process, a group of 27 exceptional budding entrepreneurs were selected to participate in an immersive bootcamp. The selected entrepreneurs represent a diverse range of sectors, including Innovative Technologies, Creative Industries, Sustainability, and Emerging Technologies.
"Old Mutual understands that with the right mentorship and support, we can develop great ideas into thriving businesses," said Gloria Zvaravanhu, Managing Director of Old Mutual Insurance Company. "We are proud to be a part of this initiative that is empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. Our goal is to drive collective success and growth in Zimbabwe’s entrepreneurial landscape,” she added.
Among the Top 27 entrepreneurs, seven were talented women highlighting their significant presence and contribution in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. VCC4 realised a steady increase in women participation from 22% the previous year to 26% this year. This achievement underscores Old Mutual Zimbabwe commitment to promoting gender diversity and providing equal opportunities for women to thrive in the business world.
Addressing the top 27 entrepreneurs, Mr. Pete Vowles, British Ambassador to Zimbabwe acknowledged the potential of Micro and Small Enterprises in driving economic growth, offering his congratulations to the entrepreneurs who advanced to the bootcamp stage of the Value Creation Challenge.
Mr Roland Davies, British Council Country Director, praised the top 27 entrepreneurs for their remarkable abilities, stating, “The quality of ideas presented here are truly impressive. Because each and every one of you here possess the exceptional capability to solve problems in your respective fields, I urge you to seize every opportunity within the Value Creation Challenge and make the most of it. You deserve to succeed, and your brilliance must shine brightly!”
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The top 27 entrepreneurs gained exclusive access to top notch training. During this phase, entrepreneurs received valuable guidance on refining their business models and mastering the art of pitching their ideas. The aim was to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to compete for a spot in the prestigious Top 12 selection, where the most promising ventures will proceed for incubation.
The incubation stage offers unparalleled opportunities for growth, where entrepreneurs will have access to world-class mentorship, training, and resources to help them refine their business models, build prototypes, and prepare for the final pitch competition.
The objectives of the Eight2Five Innovation Hub go beyond individual business support. The hub aims to ignite inspiration and empower Zimbabwe’s broader entrepreneurial ecosystem by fostering an environment of innovation and empowerment.
