This past week saw Innovate Durban launch their official Women in Business Accelerator programme called SHEshisa.
The SHEshisa programme is a 6-month accelerator initiative designed for women entrepreneurs based in Durban. The program will offer selected entrepreneurs the mentorship and guidance needed to propel their businesses forward and help them thrive as female founders. A total of 251 applications were received and this was whittled down to just the 20 women business owners who were chosen to participate in the program, a strong indication of just how many women entrepreneurs are keen to make their mark in the business world and enable local economic development. Candidates were selected through an internal adjudication process where they needed to meet certain criteria such as them never having participated in any entrepreneurship support or accelerator programme previously. This is based on the reasoning that entrepreneurs who have not previously received support would benefit most from the program and support provided. Another adjudication criteria considered was the nature of the business as the SHEshisa program is looking to equip innovators or entrepreneurs who have tangible products to showcase. Therefore, candidates who met this requirement were the ones prioritized. Special mention must go to Innovate Durban’s official program partners Software AG and the eThekwini Municipality whose integral support has added tremendous value to the programme.
The programme aims to reach far beyond the classroom, by also practically equipping the entrepreneurs to combat the unique challenges women business owners face when compared to their male counterparts. Therefore, the framework for this particular program focuses more on The Woman Entrepreneur herself, Her Business and Her Community. Modules such as leadership development, personal finance wellness, brand development ethical leadership, networking and community impact are just a few that will be extensively covered.
Should you wish to find out more about the program you can get in touch with Innovate Durban on 087 365 3131 or email them at info@innovate.durban.
For more information on Innovate Durban, The Innovation Festival, including partnerships or exhibitions contact:
Preston Moodley
Partnership Lead– Innovate Durban
Tel: 087 365 3131 | Email: preston@innovate.durban
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