The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Enterprising Women Programme has become synonymous with personal development and social impact, and in 2020 the programme will yet again afford fempreneurs the opportunity to realise their business dreams.
This year marks the eight rendition of this impactful programme as offered by the NWU’s bhive Enterprise Development Centre (bhive EDC), and women from the Mahikeng region are invited to sign-up for the six-month programme starting in April.
Pitch your idea today!
If you are from Mahikeng and wish to take part in this year’s programme for start-ups aimed at female entrepreneurs – which will run from April to October – then follow these easy steps:
- Upload your business pitch video clip, of no longer than two minutes, to https://nwu.padlet.org/leonie_greyling/n58vv2zt6k4o
- Your two-minute pitch should include:
- Your Name.
- If you already have a business, the period that it has been operational.
- The problem you solve via your product or service.
- Your unique selling proposition.
- The business opportunity you want to investigate.
- What you expect to gain from joining the programme.
All videos must be uploaded on, or before Friday, 27 March at 12:00.
A proven track record
Since its inception in 2013, the programme has seen female entrepreneurs breaking new ground in numerous fields, such as app development, catering, property development, fashion and interior design, as well as maintenance management.
Others have developed and introduced unique products and services to cater for various niche markets. Examples include the upcycling of plastic bags into designer rugs for the tourism industry, an eco-friendly mobile carwash for corporates, bricks manufactured from recycled plastic bottles and even a taxidermy service tailor-made for the wildlife and hunting industry.
Several of the programme alumni are now offering employment to other women in their respective communities and even taking in youngsters as interns, showing them the ropes and teaching them the power of entrepreneurship.
According to Leonie Greyling, Enterprising Women Programme coordinator, the success of the programme lies therein that it provides real-time business support services to women. Participants are taken through a comprehensive curriculum to assist them in identifying business ideas and markets, developing a sound business model and finally successfully initiating their start-up venture. During the process the women not only become part of a dynamic peer network, but are also mentored by seasoned entrepreneurs and knowledgeable members of academia.
For more information, please send an email to Leonie.greyling@nwu.ac.za
* The bhive EDC represents a dynamic hub of entrepreneurial activities within the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.
