EntrepreNXT: RLabs x Silulo Foundation Thundafund Event
On October 26, 2024, RLabs, in partnership with The Silulo Foundation, hosted their second EntrepreNXT Thundafund Event of the year in collaboration with Thundafund and Standard Bank.
Thundafund, South Africa’s leading online crowdfunding platform, empowers local creatives and innovators to raise capital and build a network of dedicated backers. Founded by Patrick Schofield in 2013, the platform was envisioned as a stepping stone toward making crowdfunding a standard approach for launching new ideas.
Built by Africans for Africa, Thundafund is committed to fostering prosperity by empowering communities across the continent. Beyond capital, it offers vital business mentorship, recognizing that guidance is as essential as funding for a successful entrepreneurial journey.
Kim Busch, an RLabs Champion kicked off the event by welcoming all guests in attendance followed by Erica Schofield, CEO of Thundafund who spoke about what crowdfunding is, when and how to use crowdfunding as well as what Standard Bank offers when it comes to matching funds when you crowdfund with Thundafund.
The event spotlighted two entrepreneurs who had successful campaigns on the platform.
Yanelisa Nogemane shared his “Story of Hope” as the Soccer Director of the United Brothers Football Club in Langa. This community-driven initiative, founded in 2019, has positively impacted over 187 boys and 38 girls, offering them mentorship, growth opportunities, and a safe environment.
The Under-18 boys’ team recently qualified for The Coke Amateur Cup, and Yanelisa shared, “It was a life-changing opportunity and a stepping stone for our club’s growth. The boys were eager to support each other and the other teams. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to making this trip possible.”
Jacqueline Biggs, the founder of Bigg Happs Traders, was the second entrepreneur to share her inspiring success story. Recognizing a gap in the market during the pandemic, when household products were in short supply, she launched Bigg Happs to provide these essential items. Her business not only served her community’s needs but also enabled her to support her family.
Jacqueline launched a successful crowdfunding campaign on Thundafund to expand her business and support others in her community. Her journey is a testament to the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable growth.
Participants also engaged in a variety of activities, including marketing workshops and business pitch sessions. The participants also had the chance to film their own marketing video to upload for their Thundafund campaigns. These hands-on stations provided small and emerging enterprises with an invaluable chance to network, explore partnership opportunities, and present their ideas to potential collaborators.
With resources from partners like The Silulo Foundation, Thundafund, and Standard Bank, local entrepreneurs are not only able to bring their visions to life but also to create a lasting impact within their communities.
