SETI

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.

Meet Our Speaker: Kambis Kohansal Vajargah 🎤

We are delighted to welcome Kambis Kohansal Vajargah, Head of Startup-Services and Deputy Head of Founder-Services at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, as a speaker at “Getting Funded: A Practical Guide to Securing Financing.”

With extensive experience supporting startups, founders and entrepreneurs, Kambis plays a key role in strengthening Austria’s startup ecosystem and helping innovative businesses navigate the opportunities and challenges of building and scaling successful ventures.

Through his work with the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, he supports founders throughout their entrepreneurial journey — from developing their ideas and accessing the right networks to understanding financing opportunities and positioning their businesses for sustainable growth.

Kambis is also actively engaged in connecting startups with investors, institutions and ecosystem partners, helping entrepreneurs gain access to the resources, expertise and relationships they need to move their businesses forward.

His experience at the intersection of entrepreneurship, startup support and business development gives him a valuable perspective on what founders should consider when preparing for financing and engaging with potential funding partners.

📅 23 September 2026
🕝 2:30 PM CEST
📍 Vienna Business Agency

Join us as Kambis shares practical insights into navigating the startup funding landscape, preparing businesses for investment and leveraging Austria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem to turn ambitious ideas into scalable ventures.

🔗 Register Now With The Link In Our Bio

I am excited to invite you to African Diaspora Connect, an inspiring evening dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals within the African diaspora community.

🌍 Theme: Unlocking Finance, Expanding Networks, Overcoming Barriers

This event brings together entrepreneurs, innovators, ecosystem partners, and aspiring founders to discuss access to finance, business growth opportunities, and the power of meaningful connections.

Whether you are building a startup, growing a business, or looking to expand your professional network, this is an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and gain valuable insights from key stakeholders in Vienna’s business ecosystem.

Expect input from Jakob Cencic, Hannah Acquah, Miriam Imarhiagbe, Rilwan Mogaji in cooperation with Hawa-Saadou Kebe and Audrey K..

📅 Date: 23 September 2026
⏰ Time: 18:00 - 21:00
📍 Location: Expat Center, Schmerlingplatz 3, 1010 Vienna

👉 Register now: https://vienna.business/events-workshops/african-diaspora-connect/

Let’s connect, collaborate, and create new opportunities together.