Young, black and female entrepreneurs of Ekurhuleni are empowered

SEED Academy, in partnership with Women Development Business (WDB), is making strides to empower young and black female entrepreneurs of Ekurhuleni through a three-month programme called AccelerateHer.

Sponsored by Shell Downstream South Africa, the programme will provide intensive developmental workshops, high impact business development support and mentoring from industry specialists and experienced entrepreneurs to uplift business developments.

Selected entrepreneurs will also stand the chance of being awarded R50 000 for developing their business further.

“It is becoming increasingly obvious that the development of women entrepreneurs is critical to growing South Africa’s entrepreneurial potential. Currently, only one in three entrepreneurs is a woman and only 38 per cent of black women who own businesses are formally funded,” said Seed Engine Chief Excutive Officer, Donna Rachelson.

In addition to providing significant support for entrepreneurs, AccelerateHer will create a pipeline for the WDB Seed Fund, which is an impact fund that provides appropriate funding to businesses with potential.

Through a rigorous 90-day programme, Seed Academy will identify and select high potential entrepreneurs and businesses to enter the programme.

“By supporting women entrepreneurs who are resilient and able to build sustainable businesses, AccelerateHer aims to make a meaningful impact on some of South Africa’s most pressing economic challenges such as job creation and economic growth.”

“AccelerateHer successfully unearths real business opportunities, and we look forward to working with the next group of exceptional entrepreneurs,” Rachelson added.

Black female entrepreneurs based in Ekurhuleni aged between 18 and 35 with a business idea aligned to Shell’s value chain are invited to submit their entries online at www.seedengine.co.za/accelerateher before mid-November.