Charleen boasts impressive experience in her role, having previously worked in acclaimed positions such as Regional Manager in Marketing and Communications at ABSA (Eastern Cape and Western Cape), Executive Manager for Corporate Affairs at the South African Medical Research Council and Project Manager for South Africa’s inaugural Year of Science, Engineering and Technology. She has also worked extensively with national and international organisations and forums.

With Charleen at the helm, the CEI has effectively supported entrepreneurs and small businesses, as well as sourced millions of rands in funding.

Wendy Mehl was previously employed in the private sector where her experience gauged across many industries, including project and event Management, civil engineering and medical conferencing. With a strong background in finance, PR, marketing and project management, the opportunity to be engaging in small business development is a dream come true.

Johan, better known as John, van de Rheede holds a BCom Degree and Higher Diploma in Education. John was previously a high cchool teacher, specialising in accounting and economics. While working at the Department for Economic Development and Tourism as a Deputy Director in Entrepreneurship, he developed a passion for working with entrepreneurs. His position as Deputy Director exposed him to many different facets of Entrepreneurship such B-BBEE, Procurement Promotion, Local Content, Supplier Development Programmes and access to finance for entrepreneurs. He is currently a consultant to the UWC Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation working on a feasibility study to establish a similar Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation on the West Coast in the Western Cape.

Al is currently in his first year of PhD studies in Chemical Sciences. His experiences are in the fields of chemistry and quality assuarance, from junior technical advisor in the automotive and industrial lubrications field to lab manager in essentials oils. He was introduced to entrepreneurship and innovation during his Masters studies in the field of nano-science and subsequently spent a year as a technology transfer intern at the University of the Western Cape’s Technology Transfer Office, where he learned all about the commercialisation processes involved in taking university research to the market place.