Samsung and Ocule IT Crown Winners of 2025 Enterprise Development Bootcamp in KwaZulu-Natal
The future of small business in KwaZulu-Natal received a significant boost as the winners of the 2025 Enterprise Development Bootcamp were officially announced at a final pitching day on October 29. The event, hosted by Ocule IT in partnership with Samsung’s Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), marked the culmination of an intensive four-month journey for a cohort of aspiring entrepreneurs.
From Technicians to Entrepreneurs: A Programme with Purpose
This transformative initiative, sponsored by Samsung, is specifically designed to empower alumni of Ocule IT’s Electronics Technician programme. The bootcamp equips participants from underserved communities with the essential business skills and seed funding needed to transition from skilled technicians to successful business owners.
But what does it take to turn a technical skill into a thriving enterprise? The programme’s structured approach provides the answer, focusing on enterprise growth and development to stimulate job creation and small business development within the province.
And the Winners Are…
Following a competitive final pitching session, the bootcamp winners were announced across three distinct categories, each receiving a significant financial boost to kickstart their ventures:
Established Category – R100,000
Start-Up Category – R75,000
Ideation Category – R50,000
A Strategic Investment in KZN’s Economic Future
Nicky Beukes, Samsung EEIP Project Manager, framed the initiative within Samsung’s broader corporate mission. “This Enterprise Development Bootcamp is part of Samsung’s broader commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and digital skills development in South Africa,” Beukes stated. “As a socially responsible company, we are intent on investing in KZN – the country’s gateway for African and global trade as well as contributing to the province’s youth entrepreneurship.”
The programme has already begun to see tangible outcomes, motivating young technicians to establish businesses focused on consumer electronics repair. This not only addresses a market need but also promotes a culture of innovation and self-sufficiency within their local communities.
Beukes added, “Samsung’s investment in the Bootcamp seeks to cultivate new entrepreneurs within the trade and artisan sector, serving as a catalyst for job creation and small business development. This programme is one of the ways that we are demonstrating our dedication to driving economic growth by empowering young talent and supporting entrepreneurial ventures in KZN.”
Beyond Funding: Building a Foundation for Sustainable Success
The bootcamp’s value extends far beyond the seed funding. Its comprehensive approach prepares participants not just for a single pitching event, but for the long journey of entrepreneurship, instilling confidence and providing a clear pathway for business development.
Sanele Gcumisa, Managing Member of Ocule IT, elaborated on this holistic vision. “The programme is a key driver of job creation and small business development, contributing to economic growth and community empowerment in KZN,” Gcumisa explained. “In collaboration with Samsung, we are committed to sustainable development that can ensure that this strategic initiative contributes to long-term positive impacts on the local community.”
Emphasizing that the initiative is more than a simple grant, Gcumisa concluded, “This programme goes beyond providing financial aid; it is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower young technicians with the essential business skills and knowledge needed for sustainable growth and success. Together with Samsung, we are dedicated to providing guidance, mentorship and support to help participants establish sustainable businesses as well as secure investment opportunities.”
As the winners embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, the 2025 Enterprise Development Bootcamp stands as a testament to the power of strategic partnership in unlocking local potential and building a more resilient economy from the ground up.