Start-up female entrepreneurs in the Vanderbijlpark area are urged to make use of the second (and last) Information Day – to take place on Tuesday, 30 January – to apply for the programme.
This year marks the sixth rendition of this very successful programme as hosted by the NWU’s bhive Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) in Vanderbijlpark. Through this flagship programme, start-up female entrepreneurs are empowered to not only achieve their business dreams but also to stand tall as active contributors towards the South African economy.
Worldwide, female-run enterprises are steadily growing, however, women face unique challenges that impact on their ability to grow their businesses. The EWP offers a lifeline for female entrepreneurs in terms of best practices and tools to address the needs and constraints these entrepreneurs face. In short: an empowerment programme that not only equips participants in terms of skills and knowledge, but also serves as a support hub in terms of collaboration, research and professional networking.
The programme has seen female entrepreneurs breaking new ground in numerous fields, such as: app development, catering, construction, fashion design, interior decorating as well as maintenance management. Others have developed and introduced unique products to cater for various markets. Examples include an eco-friendly mobile carwash for big corporates, the upcycling of plastic bags into designer rugs for the tourism industry and, even a taxidermy service tailor-made for the wildlife and hunting industry. Several of these programme participants are now offering employment to other women in their respective communities and even taking in youngsters as interns, showing and teaching them the power of entrepreneurship.
Final call for applications
Interested female entrepreneurs have one more opportunity to be part of the 2018 rendition of the programme. An information session on 30 January will offer them the chance to meet up with the programme coordinators and sign-up for the eight month programme. Applications must be submitted before 14:00 on the day.
During the information session prospective participants will be afforded the opportunity to interact directly with women who have successfully completed the programme in previous years and who are now heading-up their own businesses. According to Johann Landsberg, manager of the bhive EDC, previous graduates from the programme will offer their experiences and outtakes from the programme with prospective participants to show them first-hand what value the programme has for start-up ventures.
More information about the EWP and the information sessions can be obtained from the bhive EDC by contacting 016 910 3393 or by sending an email to bhive@nwu.ac.za
* A selection panel will convene on 1 February to vet the applications.
