Over R2m in business assistance is up for grabs this Women’s Month, as Jacaranda FM works to empower female entrepreneurs.

The radio station’s annual Her Perfect Pitch campaign is open to female entrepreneurs who have been in business for at least a year.

Deirdre King, MD of Jacaranda FM, highlights the significance of this initiative: “Women who are purposeful in bolstering the economy are also hiring other women, creating stronger communities of female entrepreneurs.

“Most participants found the mentorship value of the prize most appealing as they agree that mentorship from other successful women is hard to find. Our prize has mentorship baked in,” adds King.

Entries are open and close on August 31, after which 30 shortlisted women will participate in a pitching workshop. A panel of judges will choose the top 10 entrepreneurs, who will pitch their businesses for a spot in the top three. The winner will be announced live on the Breakfast with Martin Bester show.

Last year’s winner was Morongwe Mokone. She and her sister Michelle started selling handmade items at a market. Today, they are the driving force behind Mo’s Crib, which specialises in manufacturing and sourcing sustainable handmade décor items. The company broke into the American market towards the end of last year.

“We are striving to create opportunities and make a meaningful impact. We would like to grow our footprint beyond the USA and enter new markets, such as Europe and the United Arab Emirates. We have our own internal plan to create 20 new jobs within the next two to three years,” Michelle told SANews in an interview at the time.

“Be authentic and tell your story authentically,” is Mo’s tip for this year’s entrants.

Visit www.jacarandafm.com to find out how to enter.