Regent Business School has formalised a strategic partnership with Startup Grind, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing South Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs. This collaboration will give students direct access to industry leaders, mentorship opportunities and hands-on entrepreneurial experience that bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world business challenges.
The partnership will be further strengthened by the launch of the Regent Student Entrepreneurs Club, a student-led initiative supported by Regent’s redHUB and Startup Grind. This club will serve as a dynamic platform for students to connect, collaborate and refine their business ideas under the guidance of experienced entrepreneurs and investors. It will be available across Regent’s campuses in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Manzini.
Closing the Gap Between Theory and Practice
Many aspiring entrepreneurs struggle to find the right mentorship and industry exposure needed to translate ideas into viable businesses. Regent Business School’s Head of Innovation and Student Experience, Hoosen Essof, highlights how this partnership addresses these challenges: “Entrepreneurial education must go beyond the classroom. Students need practical experience, industry connections and exposure to real business challenges. Our partnership with Startup Grind creates an environment where students don’t just learn about entrepreneurship, they live it. This initiative will provide them with the skills, networks and confidence to build sustainable businesses.”
Startup Grind, a global community designed to educate, inspire and connect entrepreneurs, will bring its extensive network and expertise to the table. The collaboration will allow students to attend high-profile networking events, gain mentorship from experienced founders and engage in immersive startup experiences.
Sam Ngobeni, the Director of Startup Grind Johannesburg, emphasises the impact of this initiative: “Entrepreneurship is a journey best undertaken with the right support system. Through this partnership, students will gain invaluable insights from real-world entrepreneurs, access meaningful mentorship and build relationships that could shape their careers. We are putting the focus on creating opportunities for young minds to grow and succeed in a competitive landscape.”
A Hands-On Approach to Entrepreneurship
In addition to networking and mentorship, students will benefit from initiatives such as the Entrepreneurial Bootcamp Skills Accelerator. This structured programme will provide a mix of masterclasses, startup immersion experiences and pitching sessions, ensuring participants gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Raeesa Bayat, the Director of Startup Grind Durban sees this as a crucial step in developing resilient entrepreneurs: “Our partnership provides students with direct access to industry leaders, practical insights and real-world entrepreneurial experiences. Through mentorship, networking opportunities and exposure to the startup ecosystem we hope to bridge the gap between academia and entrepreneurship - building a new generation of innovators - ready to take on challenges and drive real change.”
Beyond extracurricular activities, the partnership will be integrated into Regent Business School’s curriculum through live business challenges, case studies and research collaborations. The goal is to ensure students not only graduate with theoretical knowledge but also with the practical experience required to thrive in the business world.
“We encourage aspiring entrepreneurs who are already students at Regent Business School and those who are not yet students, to seize this opportunity to participate in Startup Grind events and make the most of the mentorship and networking platforms available to them. For students serious about launching and sustaining their businesses, this partnership provides an unmatched opportunity to connect, learn and grow,” explained Essof.
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