Eight food entrepreneurs graduated from the 2024 Makers Landing Incubator Programme last Tuesday, April 29, in a ceremony at The Pavilion at Breakwater at the V&A Waterfront.

This marks the fifth cohort to complete the intensive year-long programme, which is designed to equip early-stage food businesses with the tools and support needed to thrive in South Africa’s competitive food industry.

This year’s graduates included meat smoking business Smoked by Buys; bold masala and homegrown ingredient food business FLAVRD; Artisanal fudge and sweet treats What the Fudge; baking business Not so Plain Bars and Bakes; Sedap Homemade jams in classic and investive flavours; seafood business Cape City Seafood Boil; cake-making business Sassy Bakes; and private dining experience Utano Kitchen.

The programme, launched in 2021, has supported 30 businesses since its inception. Applicants who enter the programme get business development training, mentorship and technical support, market and finance opportunities, events, product development and specialised kitchen equipment.

The incubation programme is broken down into three phases:

The pre-incubation phase (three months) is dedicated to identifying gaps in the business, key focus areas and building a strategy for future growth. This includes selection, contracting, baseline assessments and development maps.

The incubation phase (five months) provides a comprehensive business development programme to prepare the entrepreneur for running a successful food business and scaling its operation which includes but is not limited to regular health checks to assess implementation, scale of operations (funding readiness, market support and funding opportunities), brand development, media and public relations, market readiness and bespoke programme technical support.

The growth phase (four months) focuses on marketing exposure, unlocking growth opportunities, and building a sustainable brand and business.

“Every year, we’re inspired by the talent and tenacity within the incubator, and it’s always a privilege to witness the remarkable growth of the food entrepreneurs,” says Alex Kabalin, V&A Waterfront's retail executive manager. “The 2024 graduates have shown dedication, ambition, and a deep passion for their craft. It’s an honour to help them take the next big step.

Congratulations to all the graduates – we can’t wait to see what you achieve next.”

At the graduation, the incubatees introduced their progress to an audience filled with family and friends, as well as executives and mentees from the V&A Waterfront and partners Property Point.

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Incubator graduates toast to business opportunities