500 000 reasons to attend the Oppenheimers’ SA Future Trust 2024 Summit

The South African Future Trust Summit, the country’s premier entrepreneurial event, is set to return to the Sandton Convention Centre on October 24 and 25, 2024. This year promises to be bigger and better than ever, featuring more speakers, multiple stages, and an exciting R500,000 investment prize for one exceptional delegate.

Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage with a diverse lineup of local and international speakers. Notable figures include Fred Swaniker, founder of the African Leadership Academy; Natasha Sideris, CEO and founder of Tasha’s; celebrated South African singer and motivational speaker Lira; financial journalist and author Bruce Whitfield; and Richard Mulholland, a renowned international speaker and author known for his dynamic approach. More prominent presenters are expected to be announced as the event approaches.

The summit aims to address the myriad challenges entrepreneurs face by offering invaluable insights from these esteemed speakers and panellists. Attendees can look forward to hearing from 2024 South African Future Trust Awards winners and finalists such as Benji Ozynski (CEO of Engage MX), Soren Lassen (CEO of Woodlam), and Timothy Treagus (co-founder and CEO of Yazi), who will share their own entrepreneurial journeys and lessons learned.

One of the key highlights of the summit is the opportunity for delegates to win the R500,000 investment prize for their business ventures at the 2025 South African Future Trust Awards. To qualify, attendees must demonstrate how they have implemented the knowledge and experiences gained from the summit into their businesses over the following months. The 2024 award was claimed by Woodlam, a furniture manufacturer specializing in the restaurant and hospitality sectors, recognized for its eco-friendly approach and meticulous attention to quality.

Jonathan Oppenheimer, Chairman of the South African Future Trust (SAFT), emphasizes the importance of supporting entrepreneurship for the nation’s economic growth. “We aim to grow the summit into a powerful incubator not just for businesses in South Africa, but for the entire South African economy,” he states. Oppenheimer highlights the significant role that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play in job creation and overall economic development. “By collaborating and harnessing our creativity and ingenuity, we can steer the country in a positive direction.”

Now in its second year, the 2024 summit has transformed into an “unconference,” a concept born from attendee feedback. This format allows participants to customize their schedules, selecting presentations and panel discussions that will provide the most value to their specific business needs. This flexibility enhances the potential for impactful connections and insights that can benefit the broader South African economy.

In addition to engaging talks and discussions, the summit will feature a dedicated business advisory zone. This area will provide free legal, tax, and compliance advice tailored for both new and established entrepreneurial ventures. Over 200 entrepreneurs will also have the chance to showcase their innovative products, services, and solutions, creating a vibrant marketplace for ideas and collaboration.

The event will culminate in a live pitch session, granting entrepreneurs an unprecedented opportunity to present their businesses to some of the world’s leading investors. This platform not only elevates visibility for innovative ideas but also fosters essential connections that can lead to potential investment and growth.

For those looking to immerse themselves in this unparalleled entrepreneurial experience, tickets and additional details can be found at summit.southafricanfuturetrust.org.

The South African Future Trust, founded by the Oppenheimer family, is dedicated to empowering and supporting entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of building and sustaining their businesses. With the 2024 Summit on the horizon, it stands as a pivotal event for aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike, offering resources, inspiration, and a community geared towards innovation and success. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of South Africa’s entrepreneurial future!