Fuelling innovation: Google funding programme for Black entrepreneurs and startups now open
The fund aims to empower underrepresented founders with the tools needed to grow their companies.
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Stephen Grootes speaks to Abongile Mashele, Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google (SA) about Google's funding programme for Black founders in South Africa.
Listen below
Google has officially opened applications for its Black Founders Fund, an initiative to support Black entrepreneurs and startups.
The programme offers financial backing to help Black-led businesses grow and thrive.
The fund aims to empower underrepresented founders with the tools to grow their companies.
Eligible startups are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to access critical support and investment.
Mashele outlines who can apply.
"It's basically any company that has technology, technology products, technological innovations at the centre of their business model."
Abongile Mashele, Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy - Google (SA)
Mashele explains that a wide range of businesses are eligible to apply.
"You may be a dressmaker, but your way of accessing markets is through an application, a technological tool, and there are other elements that are bought into your product that are linking consumers to your market using technology."
Abongile Mashele, Head of Goverment Affairs and Public Policy - Google (SA)
Mashele says the fund aims to counter the historical disadvantages Black people have faced in South Africa.
"There's been a realisation and acceptance that access to captial, particularly for small businesses owned by Black individuals is harder than for everyone else."
Abongile Mashele, Head of Goverment Affairs and Public Policy - Google (SA)