Such innovations – as developed during the 2018 rendition of the Enterprising Women Programme (EWP) – include among others a virtual office management system, a space optimising furniture enterprise, a mobile meat delicatessen, a plus-size fashion label and a kids’ hotel.
The EWP is one of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) flagship empowerment projects and is facilitated by the bhive Enterprise Development Centre (EDC).
The aim of the programme – initiated in 2013 – is to provide real-time business support services to women who wish to establish their own businesses.
Participants are taken through a comprehensive eight-month curriculum to assist them in identifying business ideas and markets, development of a sound business model and finally successfully initiate their start-up venture.
During the process the women not also become part of a dynamic peer network, but is also mentored by seasoned entrepreneurs and knowledgeable members of academia.
According to Leonie Greyling, EWP manager, the programme provides start-ups with a safe environment. Here they can freely explore their entrepreneurial endeavours while at the same time enjoy the benefits of structured learning through workshops and group-centred learning activities.
In addition they are also given a platform from where they can expand their business networks.
According to the Global Entrepreneurship Women’s Report, entrepreneurs with larger and more diverse networks – and whose networks include professional advisers, such as accountants and lawyers – tend to grow bigger companies. To this effect, the bhive EDC enjoys support from various regional business chambers and community leaders.
EWP: going from strength to strength
This year saw two renditions of the programme running concurrently in central South Africa, namely EWP Sasolburg and EWP Vanderbijlpark.
In total, 28 women will be awarded for successfully completing the programme at the upcoming gala event on 11 October 2018 at the Emerald Resort and Casino in Vanderbijlpark.
In another mile-stone event, the programme has also been launched in the North West province with the support of the university’s campus in Mahikeng. The programme was launched in August and 18 women will be part of this inaugural roll-out.
Johann Landsberg, Manager: bhive EDC, and Leonie Greyling, Manager: EWP, together with the participants of the Mahikeng Programme.
