Seed Academy is proud to announce the appointment of Denvor Phokaners as our Director of Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) Innovation. A recognised leader in enterprise development, Denvor brings over 15 years of experience in empowering entrepreneurs, driving impact, and supporting sustainable business growth. His appointment reinforces our commitment to innovation and high-impact ESD solutions that transform the entrepreneurial landscape.
Denvor’s vision for Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) perfectly aligns with Seed Academy’s mission to empower women and youth entrepreneurs by providing them with the tools they need to succeed. He firmly believes that true economic growth comes from building an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, one that prioritises access to skills, markets, and financial support. His approach reflects Seed Academy’s strategy of equipping emerging business owners with practical, sustainable solutions.
Like Seed Academy, Denvor understands that success isn’t just about funding, it’s about creating a system where women- and youth-led businesses can compete, scale, and thrive in the marketplace.
“If you want real economic growth, you’ve got to build an ecosystem where entrepreneurs, especially women and young business owners, have access to the right skills, the right markets, and the right financial backing. It’s not just about throwing money at the problem; it’s about creating a system where they can actually compete, scale, and win.” – Denvor Phokaners
Denvor’s extensive experience includes serving as the Country Manager for Enablis and working with top business development service providers in South and sub-Saharan Africa.
As an experienced SMME business development facilitator, he has designed and implemented training programmes that equip entrepreneurs with the skills to build scalable and resilient businesses. His broad understanding of enterprise growth, spanning sales, marketing, and international education, has shaped his 360-degree understanding of developing high-impact entrepreneurs.
Beyond his work in enterprise development, Denvor has successfully marketed ICT educational qualifications in 22 countries, spanning Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Far East. His career has also included leading high-performing sales teams in the corporate sector and making a mark in the creative industry as a SAFTA-nominated TV presenter, filmmaker, and musician.
Denvor’s belief in impact-driven entrepreneurship resonates deeply with Seed Academy’s core values. “If you are not creating an impact, you are wasting money”—this principle drives his passion for innovation and meaningful change. His decision to join Seed Academy is rooted in his conviction that supporting and empowering small businesses is one of the most effective ways to uplift South Africa’s economy.
“Joining Seed Academy was a natural choice, as I truly believe that driving innovation and empowering small businesses is the key to addressing South Africa’s economic challenges.”
– Denvor Phokaners
As we continue to innovate and strengthen ESD in South Africa and beyond, we are excited to welcome Denvor to the Seed Academy family. Together, we look forward to accelerating business success and making a tangible difference in the lives of entrepreneurs.