Over 50 female entrepreneurs were empowered at the City’s Opportunity Centre at the Joburg Market last Thursday.
The programme themed at ‘Women in Business Evolve’ hosted by City’s Department Economic Development in collaboration with Old Mutual was aimed at providing aspiring female entrepreneurs with market-based knowledge and basic business education to guide them towards transformation and running a successful business.
The event facilitated a networking session through a captivating interaction with other female-driven entrepreneurs who shared their achievements, milestones and challenges in their field of business.
Mpho Hafani, the Managing Director of Femade Cosmetics, shared her journey in business and guidance on how other women in business can foster business growth. She spoke on the art of having self-discipline, patience and consistency in achieving business success and maintaining a work-life balance.
Simphiwe Malemela, the Deputy Director for Enterprise Development at Economic Development department, said that by providing women with the necessary tools and support is a way to create an inclusive society and enhancing the role of women in driving the pulse economic growth.
“Women bring unique perspectives and leadership in a global economy, therefore empowering them starts with providing them with information and education and how they can access the City’s Opportunity Centre’s to start and grow their businesses,” said Malemela.
Several stakeholders including Old Mutual, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), the National Treasury and the Incubation Hub shared insights on unique opportunities they offer to emerging small businesses.
Sakhile Bhengu, a Business Analyst at Old Mutual, told the delegates about his company’s digital solution platform SMEgo, which provides SMMEs with funding to grow their businesses.
“Supporting business women to start and to grow enterprises is a priority in the City of Johannesburg. There is nothing quite spectacular as seeing women in business come together fostering teamwork and building meaningful relations that fuels economic growth,” said Councillor Faeeza Chame from Ward 57.
She encouraged women to take charge of their lives and make meaningful impact for themselves and their families. “Opportunities will not always come on a silver platter. Women have to grab the chances and create their own space.”
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