Developer experience lead at Microsoft SA, Cliff de Wit outlines the motivation behind programmes such as BizSpark, "At Microsoft we are acutely aware of the struggle tech startups experience and never turn a blind eye to our own humble beginnings in the startup space. This is why we have invested time and money into programmes such as BizSpark which enable tech startups with the software and business support to create sustainable businesses."
Investing in small to medium enterprises is a top priority for Microsoft which has aligned their own National Development Plan to that of the South African Government's Vision 2030. Partnering with the Jobs Fund locally has resulted in an enhanced BizSpark programme that tackles the local initiative with on-the-ground support and incubation partnerships. With over 1,600 startups on the local programme, the partnership has presented some tangible results and is continually making waves in the local startup ecosystem.
Cliff de Wit adds, "Our South African tech startups are solving real problems and creating job opportunities for members within local communities. It only makes sense for Microsoft to facilitate growth through supplying free software and matching it with government support to provide better incubation services to business owners."
Beyond the BizSpark programme, Microsoft invests in a number of initiatives such YouthSpark, Student2Business and AppFactory in an effort to use technology to enable and improve the lives of the youth of South Africa through a carefully cultivated ecosystem. This ecosystem supports the youth from secondary/high school to university, all the way through to the development of their own businesses.
The adoption of big Data and Cloud technology has opened the doors to a more accessible and international market which facilitates accelerated growth opportunities for startups and young entrepreneurs. Providing BizSpark members with free Cloud hosting on Azure is just one of the many ways Microsoft is providing tech services to help grow and support developing businesses.
According to the Government's National Development Plan, 90% of new jobs will be created through entrepreneurship and the expansion of companies by 2030. Microsoft believes that this can be reached through the distribution of technology and fostering of skills needed to innovate and create opportunities which nurture sustainable job creation.
