JOZI START-UPS SET TO DO GREAT THINGS IN 2019

After a stringent two-month application process, the J&B Hive is pleased to announce that it has chosen seven new members to join its thriving, Joburg-based entrepreneurial hub.

Love Our City Klean (LOCK), an youth-driven environmental waste management company; Braamburg International, a media production company; Khazimla IT, a payment services innovator; Old School Coffee Company; a coffee shop extending the coffee culture to the unconverted; The Canvas, marketing and business development gurus; The Social Market, a monthly, creative showcase event; and Trap Gardens, a cultural and music extravaganza, have all been onboarded as the newest members of the J&B Hive and can look forward to an invaluable developmental and financial leg up in 2019.

Established in 2015 and set on the corner of two busy streets in Braamfontein, The J&B Hive is a communal workspace, event venue and creative incubator where local entrepreneurs can apply for equity free investment to help grow their businesses. The recent intake of its newest members brings the J&B Hive’s current membership community to over 50 businesses – all of which are rooted in the creative industry, from fashion to photography, cinema to music and more.

"We are thrilled to welcome our newest members to the J&B Hive network and are certain that with such a plethora of talent on display, they will all thrive in 2019," says Sibongile Musundwa, Director of the J&B Hive.

Membership recruitment happens on a bi-annual basis and the next round is scheduled for 3rd to 18th January 2019. With only a limited number of places available each year, the stakes are high. Those that make it through will be given financial support, mentorship, training and access to a membership network filled with the potential for synergy. They will also enjoy free access to the coworking space and its top-class equipment, including Apple software, cameras, lighting and more.

"If you own a start-up business and need help to take it to the next level, The J&B Hive would like to meet you. We are passionate about unearthing the very best of the Joburg creative scene and then collaborating to make them great," says Sibongile.

The Hive was adopted by global alcohol beverage company Diageo through its' whisky brand J&B as part of its enterprise development portfolio. The quest is to build a collaborative and innovative network for entrepreneurs in South Africa thus stimulating job creation.

As a brand, J&B lives and breathes for collaboration, believing it has the power to produce extraordinarily positive outcomes. J&B hopes that the Johannesburg Hive will be the first of many around the globe and the start of an international creative community that can tap into each other’s skills from across the world.

For more information, visit https://www.thehivejohannesburg.com/.