AEC exists for entrepreneurial businesses and entrepreneurs. Our focus is to effectively mentor businesses and entrepreneurs. This is achieved by forging partnerships with local and international companies. AEC will further continue to identify opportunities in local and global markets to attain sustainable business and economic growth. AEC’s mission is to empower entrepreneurs by fostering business dialog that generates improved prospects for entrepreneurs’ long term contribution to the African and Global economy. AEC works to stimulate a vibrant and fertile business landscape where entrepreneurs support one another in terms of business advisory, policy advocacy and skills development in order to grow businesses. Venture Capital Provig financial capital at the early-stages of high-potential growth startup companies. The venture capital fund earns money by owning equity in the companies AEC invests in, which have to meet stringent AEC criteria. These companies usually have a novel technology or business model in high technology industries, such as biotechnology, energy and IT. Trade Finance AEC’s Trade finance signifies financing for trade, and it concerns both domestic and international trade transactions. AEC requires proposals to have a seller of goods and services as well as a buyer to be considered for AEC facilitation. AEC reserves the right to financing any trade proposals. AEC Training & Events Networking, Collaborating and Driving Policy at our Monthly Forums, Quarterly Entrepreneurial Forums, AEC Annual Corporate Dinner, The AEC Entrepreneur & Business Awards & Conference Equity and Quasi Equity AEC assists in raising capital through equity transactions. Our equity financing essentially refers to the transfer of an ownership interest to raise funds for fundraising purposes. We can facilitate a few thousand rands raised by an entrepreneur from other interested AEC members, to IPOs running into the billions.