A renaissance in SA’s traditional trade sector, with 23.6% growth

The Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER series aims to build communities and provide networking opportunities for aspiring women entrepreneurs. By equipping women with the skills and knowledge needed to drive economic development, this series empowers them to build successful enterprises in South Africa. The Cape Town event has set the stage for a series of inspiring sessions featuring successful Top Women Award winners and entrepreneurs.

Inspiring speakers and engaging discussions

The Cape Town event, held at The Hyatt Regency Cape Town on Thursday, 25 May 2023, was a platform for an exceptional lineup of renowned speakers who captivated the audience with their valuable insights and experiences. Attendees were inspired by the industry expertise and knowledge shared by Sheila Yabo, head of ecosystem development for Ayoba, MTN’s SuperApp, former head of UCT GSB’s Entrepreneurship Centre, and SA country director for University Impact. They were also privileged to hear from Adri Williams, managing director of Khayelitsha Cookies and recipient of the prestigious Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER award in 2022.

The presence and contributions of these speakers added tremendous value to the event, creating an engaging and insightful experience for all participants.

Pitching den showcases exceptional entrepreneurs and inspires success

One of the standout moments of the Cape Town event was the highly anticipated pitching den, where ten exceptional entrepreneurs, carefully selected in advance, had the opportunity to showcase their promising business models. These talented individuals delivered captivating three-minute elevator pitches, followed by engaging five-minute Q&A sessions with a panel of respected judges. The esteemed judging panel consisted of Naledzani Mosomane, the head of enterprise development at Standard Bank, Fikile Kgobe, the lead global markets SA (BCB/PPB) at Standard Bank, Fiona Wakelin, the group editor at Topco Media, Adri Williams, the managing director of Khayelitsha Cookies, and Zinzi Magoda, a lecturer at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).

The winners from all three regional events, including Cape Town, Durban and Sun City, will be attending the Standard Bank Top Women Awards in November 2023, taking place in Johannesburg. The ultimate winner will be bestowed with the highly sought-after trophy and an impressive cash prize of R50,000.

Winners

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Cape Town event. These exceptional entrepreneurs impressed the judges with their innovative business models and demonstrated outstanding potential for growth.

“We are thrilled with the tremendous success of the Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER event. The caliber of finalists was exceptional, showcasing the incredible talent and innovation among women entrepreneurs in South Africa. Congratulations to all the winners for their remarkable achievements and for inspiring us with their outstanding business models. We are proud to celebrate their success and look forward to their continued growth and contributions to the business landscape,” commends Ralf Fletcher, CEO of Topco Media.

Congratulations to:

Winner: Denise Stubbs – Thokozani Winelands Investments PTY LTD

First runner-up: Mahlatse Mamaila – INO-Biodiesel

Second runner-up: Fezeka Stuurman – Cultiver Group

Their achievements and dedication serve as an inspiration to aspiring women entrepreneurs across the country.

Final event: Join us in North West

As we near the culmination of the EmpowHER Development Series, we extend a warm invitation to all business and corporate women in South Africa to participate in an empowering event in the North West. This transformative experience will be held at Sun City, a venue renowned for its blend of business and leisure. It presents an exceptional opportunity for networking, acquiring knowledge, and personal growth.

To secure your spot at the Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Regional Conference in North West, please sign up using the application form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DV35PPY. Additionally, tickets can be purchased at https://qkt.io/AWYT87. We encourage all attendees to take advantage of the 20% discount exclusively available to Standard Bank customers using their BIN numbers as a promo code (first six numbers on your card).

Seize the opportunity to network with accomplished entrepreneurs, acquire invaluable knowledge, and propel your business to new heights. Be a part of the vibrant community of empowered women who are actively contributing to the economic growth of South Africa. Don’t miss out on the final event of the Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER series, where you can make meaningful connections and gain insights that will drive your success.

Sponsors, partners, and lifestyle partners

“We are immensely grateful to our sponsors and partners for their invaluable support in making the Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER series a resounding success. Their unwavering commitment and partnership have been instrumental in empowering women entrepreneurs and driving positive change. We extend our heartfelt thanks for their invaluable contribution,” expresses Fletcher.

Platinum Sponsor:

Standard Bank

Lifestyle Partners:

Eskamel
Hado Labo Tokyo
Softlips
Woolworths
African Extracts
Ocean Basket
Skin Creamery
RKP ATTORNEYS INC
Chardine
Starz Unlimited
Propel Photo Booths
MLT Car Rental