Africanian News: Hilton, thank you for joining us to celebrate GrowthWheel South Africa’s 9th anniversary. How has GrowthWheel evolved to meet the unique needs of the African Innovation Ecosystem?
Hilton Theunissen: It’s a pleasure to be here. Over the past nine years, GrowthWheel has become an integral part of Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape. Our journey, which began with Sasol and the DTI EIP Program in 2012, has grown to impact over 150,000 startups and small businesses across 24 African countries. Our adaptability and visual tools have been key to addressing the specific challenges and opportunities in our dynamic markets.
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Africanian News: That’s impressive growth. Can you elaborate on the partnership opportunities GrowthWheel offers, especially in light of your ‘9K Advisor Boost’ campaign?
Hilton Theunissen: Absolutely. Our partnerships are the backbone of our success. We’ve cultivated a network of over 1,200 business advisors who have integrated the GrowthWheel toolbox into their practice. The ‘9K Advisor Boost’ is our way of celebrating these partnerships and inviting more professionals to join our ecosystem. It’s an opportunity for consultants and organizations to enhance their offerings and make a tangible impact on African businesses.
Africanian News: Speaking of impact, can you tell us about the ‘9 Days of Giving’ initiative?
Hilton Theunissen: The ‘9 Days of Giving’ is our way of giving back to the communities that have supported us. It’s a series of initiatives where our advisors and partners will engage in various community support activities, from mentorship programs to workshops. This aligns with our belief that what we do tomorrow defines our collective ambitions and outcomes.
Africanian News: Your role spans both South Africa and global partnerships. How do you see GrowthWheel contributing to Africa’s growth in the coming decade?
Hilton Theunissen: Our vision for the next decade is encapsulated in our ‘BigBetCoalition’. We’re aiming to double our impact, reaching 300,000 SMEs. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about fostering sustainable growth across the continent. By equipping local advisors, incubators, and innovation hubs with our tools, we’re building a resilient ecosystem that can navigate the complexities of the African business landscape.
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Africanian News: Finally, as you reflect on ‘9 Years in 9 Stories’, what message do you have for organizations or individuals considering integrating GrowthWheel into their strategies?
Hilton Theunissen: I’d say, join us in this decade of action. Whether you’re a seasoned advisor or just starting, GrowthWheel offers a platform to make every decision count. Our success stories over the past nine years are a testament to the power of collaborative growth. As we embark on our 10th year, we invite everyone to be part of our #GainTogether movement. Let’s shape the future of African entrepreneurship together.
Africanian News: Thank you, Hilton, for these inspiring insights. Here’s to another decade of growth and innovation with GrowthWheel!