Thriving Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: The SOOQ and Cricut’s Impact in South Africa

Looking at the economic wrap up in June on Stats SA the economy weakened in the first quarter, jobs declined and although the second quarter has been seen as more positive, there is still a concern for our economy in general. Small Businesses and entrepreneurs are said to be the perfect solution to pull our country’s economic state out of the “red zone” by offering more employment opportunities and boosting the economy. However, small businesses need to be provided with the resources and support necessary to survive past early stages of business – which are the most crucial according to the GEM SA Report conducted recently.

The SOOQ, a local marketplace for small businesses, and Cricut, a leading crafting technology company, have announced their partnership aimed at boosting entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses and makers in South Africa. This collaboration comes at a crucial time as the country emerges from the economic challenges of the volatile election period and the post-COVID delayed impact on small businesses, and strives to foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem both on and offline.

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Rosebank Mall’s Spring Street Feast

Get ready to groove to the rhythm of spring and indulge in a culinary and shopping adventure like no other at Rosebank Mall’s Spring Street Feast on Saturday, 7 September 2024.

From 10h00 to 19h00, the vibrant space adjoining the mall on Bath Avenue will come alive with the sights, sounds, and flavours of this festive celebration, offering an experience that promises to satisfy both your appetite and your desire for fun.

Spring is the season of renewal, and what better way to embrace it than by immersing yourself in an atmosphere brimming with live entertainment? Whether you’re looking to quench your thirst or simply soak in the lively ambiance, our selection of craft beverages will not disappoint.

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The Luxurious Marble Circus

South Africans are in for a treat this summer as an out-of-the-ordinary food and music festival sets up stage at Ground The Venue in Muldersdrift on 26 and 27 October 2024.

Curated by some of the country’s most creative and disruptive minds, The Luxurious Marble Circus is a grand collaboration by the Marble Group, Grid Worldwide, G&G Productions and Investec. Straying from all that is usually expected at a festival, this two-day event fuses fine dining with an elaborate outdoor experience, exquisite entertainment, and spectacular theatrics. 

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Food for Thought: Food Indaba 2024 Sparks Fresh Dialogues

Good or bad, delicious or bitter, the kitchen table is where food, economics and politics often meet – and for the past ten years, Food Dialogues has been exploring this in our complex food system in unconventional, educational and fun ways. This year, with a new name reflective of its roots and group dynamic, Food Indaba 2024 is taking place from Monday 22 July to Sunday 04 August with various events at venues across Cape Town, including the V&A Waterfront precinct, Mowbray, Langa, Philippi, Lynedoch and Stellenbosch.

Food Indaba features a range of events, both ticketed and free. Many are open to the public, while some, which are geared more toward academic and industry audiences, are by invitation only. One of the informative free events for all to attend is the Pan African Webinar hosted by Afrifoodlinks. The online webinar titled Power and Hunger is a significant discussion about the weaponising of hunger. The annual in person conference with the same title, for the first time this year, will be a full day affair and will see the D-School (UCT’s design school) creating a Design-Dash, which is a design thinking problem solving toolkit around the solutions to food issues.

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Amex Tennis Town at Montecasino

Following the announcement of their multi-year partnership in March 2024, Tennis South Africa (TSA) and American Express are pleased to host the Amex Tennis Town, a fan park during The Championships, Wimbledon 2024.

The Amex Tennis Town will be held from 5 to 14 July 2024 (from 1 pm to around 10 pm) at Montecasino and will host up to 1500 people per day.

The Amex Tennis Town aims to create a comprehensive fan zone that reimagines the traditional viewing experience by combining live Wimbledon screenings with a range of engaging activities and a food village which will provide a wide range of culinary delights including traditional favourites like strawberries and cream.

An interactive activation area will allow guests to engage with tennis-related activities. Attendees will be able to capture unforgettable moments with photo booths, dive into virtual reality tennis activations, and challenge friends at tennis gaming stations. Tennis enthusiasts will also be able to showcase their skills on a full-size tennis court with interactive coaching lessons.

The Amex Tennis Town will also feature live entertainment from DJs during breaks in play, providing a memorable and entertaining experience.

American Express Card Members will enjoy a 50% discount for entry to the Amex Tennis Town, priority seating at the front of the main viewing screen, 20% off at the Wimbledon Shop, 10% off on food and beverage, and other benefits such as branded gift packs.

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