Foundation in Focus / Details

Trestle Group Foundation Empowers The Development House

Trestle Group Foundation Empowers The Development House
(Story first published in the June 2009 SmartXchange Newsletter)

The Development House, a 100% woman owned software development company and virtual SMME at SmartXchange, Durban, South Africa, has been engaged by Trestle Group Foundation to create new opportunities.

Trestle Group Foundation is an innovative, change-provoking, non-profit organization dedicated to creating and expanding sustainable economic opportunities in emerging economies by supporting high-potential women entrepreneurs.

Darlene Menzies, Managing Owner of TDH said, “The Trestle Group Foundation is opening many new doors of opportunity for us and providing noteworthy support and assistance. They are truly making a remarkable impact on our business.”

According to Menzies, some of the support provided by Trestle included:

• Up to date research assistance for TDH’s new products for international markets

• Ongoing facilitation of pertinent linkages and referrals to significant business networks, programmes and contacts both locally and internationally

• Phenomenal brand exposure in major areas and settings we would not have access to – this including the making of a short film feature on TDH which was screened at last year’s Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference in the USA

• Promotion of our unique business model and niche market products to relevant SMME stakeholders which has resulted both sales opportunities as well as prospects for venture capital and other funding

• Provision of tailored one-on-one business coaching by an international coaching consultant which incorporates excellent business strategy assistance

One of Trestle Group Foundation’s objectives is to empower women entrepreneurs in developing economies by removing barriers and providing direct support to help them overcome challenges that limit their growth and opportunities.

“I am honoured to be associated with them and very grateful to have been introduced to this exceptional programme by SmartXchange,” said Ms Menzies.

For more information on Darlene Menzies and The Development House, please see: http://www.tdh.co.za/index.htm

For more information regarding Trestle Group Foundation, click here: www.trestlegroupfoundation.org.