The Cape Innovation and Technology Initiative (CiTi) has called female entrepreneurs in the Western Cape to apply for its the Women in Business programme, which starts next week.
Women in Business is a 10-week programme will provide entrepreneurs with a platform to implement effective systems and processes through the deployment of tech products and services that enable growth, sustainability and room to scale.
“From February 2020, female entrepreneurs in the Western Cape will have the opportunity to access mentors and benefit from a supportive growth environment by participating in the next cohort of the Women in Business programme,” CiTi says. “They will also be exposed to the latest technology tools available to enhance and grow their business.”
Over the past three years, more than 130 women from all over the Western Cape have been empowered by the programme. Now, the opportunity is available to another 120 women.
One of the previous participants, Yandisa Kaulela Mahlasela, says she learnt about advertising her business on social media and was introduced to useful financial and organisational tools and apps.
Lauren Baaitjies, another Women in Business alum, adds: “There's this glamour created by society about entrepreneurship, but it's really not that easy. A lot of people don't understand that, and if you don't have support, it can be a lonely road. So, when you come to a community like this, you meet women who are in business and experience similar struggles and it just helps you. I would definitely recommend this programme because, as an entrepreneur, you need as much support as you can get and that's what you definitely get here.”
“From tech tools and networking, to collaboration, it is a holistic programme that can help take your business to the next level,” shares fellow cohort member, Yolanda Vusa.
During weekly workshops held at the Woodstock Bandwidth Barn, the successful applicants will receive guidance and mentorship from business leaders and industry experts on how to access free technology tools and implement them in their businesses. They will be exposed to tools such as financial management systems, cloud computing, social media and online marketing, amongst others.
Additionally, they will receive online support as well as mentorship sessions once a month for a period of 10 months starting in May 2020.
Western Cape-based female founders and CEOs aged between 25 and 50 who have a registered business that has been running for at least 18 months are eligible to apply. Applications close today - 31 January 2020.
Click here to apply, or for more information, go to www.citi.org.za.
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