SETI

💡 You don’t always need a revolutionary idea to build a successful business. Sometimes, you just need to solve an everyday problem differently.

The next big business idea might be hiding in a problem you encounter every single day.

African Diaspora Connect 2026 was more than an event, it was about building stronger pathways for African diaspora entrepreneurs in Austria through access, visibility, collaboration and meaningful connections.

Bringing together entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners, institutions and diaspora organisations, the conversation explored what it really takes to build and grow a sustainable business in Austria, from navigating the business ecosystem and accessing finance to becoming investment-ready, building strategic networks and creating opportunities across Africa and Europe.

A key takeaway was the importance of collaboration.

Collaboration between entrepreneurs and institutions.
Collaboration between diaspora networks and the wider Austrian business ecosystem.
Collaboration between professionals, creatives, organisations and companies working to create opportunities across borders.

The discussions brought together perspectives from Jan Riepl of the ViennaBusiness Agency, Jakob Cencic of the Austria Business Agency, Miglena Hofer , Rilwan Mogaji of Diaspora Business Hub Vienna , and Hannah Acquah , CEO of TKC AFRICA - Business & Investment Consultants — each contributing valuable insights on how entrepreneurs can better access opportunities, partnerships, knowledge and support.

The programme also celebrated the creative and cultural dimension of the diaspora, with a cultural performance by Awoba and a creative spotlight featuring a video presentation by Audrey K. of Diaspora Creatives — adding another perspective to an evening centred on connection, visibility and collaboration.

There is much more to the conversation, and we have captured it in our full article.

👉 Read the full article here:
https://lnkd.in/dqbxj2eP

African Diaspora Connect is ultimately about turning connections into collaboration, and collaboration into opportunity.

🇿🇦 She is a South African chemist and researcher who has spent decades studying photodynamic therapy, a treatment approach that uses light-activated molecules to destroy cancer cells.

Her groundbreaking research has earned her major international recognition, including the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award, and made her one of Africa’s most celebrated scientists.

Have you heard about her? 🤔

These were at the heart of African Diaspora Connect 2026, held on 23 September 2026 in Vienna under the theme:

“Unlocking Finance, Expanding Networks and Overcoming Barriers.”

Co-organised by Vienna Business Agency (VBA), Austria Business Agency (ABA), SETI, Diaspora Business Hub, TKC Africa and Diaspora Creatives, the event brought together African entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners, business-support institutions and ecosystem partners for an evening of practical conversations, knowledge sharing and meaningful connections.

The discussions explored some of the most important questions facing African diaspora entrepreneurs in Austria: How can entrepreneurs access finance and become investment-ready? How can they navigate Austria’s business and administrative ecosystem? How can diaspora networks be transformed into partnerships, clients and opportunities? And how can entrepreneurs increase their visibility and build sustainable businesses in Austria and beyond?

The conversations featured insights from Jan Riepl of Vienna Business Agency, Jakob Cencic of Austria Business Agency, Miglena Hofer of Self-Employed, Rilwan Mogaji of Diaspora Business Hub, and Hannah Acquah of TKC Africa.

From financing and investment readiness to business establishment, professional networks, visibility and opportunities connecting Africa and Austria, the discussions reinforced an important message: building a successful business requires not only a strong idea, but also access to the right information, finance, networks and support systems.

The evening also celebrated diaspora creativity and culture, featuring a cultural performance by Awoba and a creative spotlight with Audrey Kodjo of Diaspora Creatives, followed by an interactive Q&A and networking session.

African Diaspora Connect 2026 was about turning barriers into pathways, networks into opportunities, and entrepreneurial ambitions into possibilities.

Together, we are strengthening the connections that enable African diaspora entrepreneurs to build, grow and thrive. 🌍✨

Entrepreneurs and aspiring founders in Vienna took part in the workshop “Getting Funded: A Practical Guide to Securing Financing,” facilitated by Hannah Acquah of TKC Africa.

The workshop brought together experts from Austria’s startup, legal and funding ecosystem to provide entrepreneurs with practical insights into raising capital, becoming investment-ready, accessing grants and public funding, choosing the right financing instruments, protecting intellectual property, and exploring alternative financing such as crowdfunding.

A key message throughout the workshop was clear: getting funded starts long before you ask for money. The right legal structure, a strong business model, a capable team, clear ownership and IP, financial preparation, and the right networks can all influence a founder’s ability to secure financing.

The workshop also moved from theory to practice as entrepreneurs pitched their businesses and received live feedback from the experts. It was an opportunity to test ideas, sharpen business propositions and gain valuable perspectives on what investors and funding institutions look for.

Beyond access to finance, the session highlighted the importance of building relationships and understanding the funding ecosystem available to entrepreneurs in Austria and beyond.

A big thank you to Hannah Acquah and TKC Africa for facilitating the workshop, to all the experts who shared their knowledge, and to the entrepreneurs who stepped forward to pitch their businesses. 👏🏾

📍 Expat Center, Vienna
📅 23 September 2026

Finance creates possibilities. Networks open doors. Preparation helps entrepreneurs turn opportunities into growth.