Gibs Entrepreneurship Development Academy Offers Business Growth Program for South African Women Entrepreneurs

The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and the Gibs Entrepreneurship Development Academy (EDA) have partnered to bring 50 South African women entrepreneurs into the much awaited Road to Growth programme. The purpose of this intense, seven-week programme for company growth is to empower women entrepreneurs and assist them in growing their businesses.

A select group of 50 established women-owned and -run firms have the chance to improve their business skills, financial literacy, networks, and confidence via the Gibs EDA's Road to Growth programme. The programme covers a variety of topics, including market comprehension, digital marketing, financial management, and more, with a heavy emphasis on creating a clear vision and direction for participants' enterprises. A special learning platform will be used to conduct the training largely online, with some seminars taking place in person as well.

Candidates for the programme must fulfil a number of requirements, including being a woman entrepreneur over the age of 21, having a legally registered firm in South Africa, and making at least R500,000 in yearly revenue. In addition, qualified applicants must own at least 50% of their companies with female ownership, hire at least two full-time employees (excluding the owner), and actively participate in the day-to-day management of their companies.

With over 4,300 women entrepreneurs assisted to date, the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women's Road to Growth programme has already had a huge global effect. The participants' business expertise has effectively increased, their networks have grown, and their ability to acquire capital has improved. The programme is now being undertaken in Nigeria, Kenya, and Guyana. It has previously been adopted in a number of nations, including Mexico, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Tshegofatso Dolo, owner of Flame Creations Beauty and Health Spa and one of the former participants, lauded the programme for its all-encompassing approach to essential business practises. Dolo said, "The programme has given me the tools I need to advance my business. Additionally, it has motivated me to encourage other women to formalise and grow their enterprises in order to generate jobs.

Before the application deadline of July 17, 2023, interested parties are urged to check the qualifying requirements given below and submit their applications for the Road to Growth programme. It is planned for the programme to start in August 2023. Accepted participants will be given free access to the course, which is expected to fundamentally alter how women entrepreneurs succeed in their various fields.

Road to Growth Program Selection Criteria:

• The minimum age is 21.
• Three years is the minimum amount of time in business.
• Must possess a South African-registered business
• Minimum annual revenue of R500,000 is required.
• Must be owned by women to at least 50%
• Must have at least two full-time employees (not including the owner)
• Must be actively engaged in managing the company full-time.
• Minimum educational requirement: Matriculation (case-by-case evaluation)
• English language competence is required.
• Must possess a device, be connected to the internet, and understand the fundamentals of computers.
• Must not have taken part in any Gibs EDA initiatives within the previous 18 months.
• Must be extremely motivated and committed to expanding their business.