Call for applications: FNB Women in Business programme

Female entrepreneurs are re-building the economy, one business at a time, with help and support from CiTi and FNB. A Cohort of 30 female business owners from across South Africa is participating in the Top Tech Tools for Women in Business programme, sponsored by FNB and presented by VeloCiTi, the entrepreneurial development and incubation arm of the Cape Innovation & Technology Initiative (CiTi).

 

We believe that it is crucial for entrepreneurs to invest their time, effort and energy into business activities that will ensure sustainability and a move toward their new growth checkpoints in their entrepreneurial journey. A digitally enabled business has the capacity to navigate challenges and opportunities in a streamlined and more efficient manner. As part of the select group of women business owners, female founders are given the opportunity to invest their time and effort in knowledge and skills that will enable both business and personal growth trajectories.

 

Conceptualised and presented by the Cape Innovation & Technology Initiative (CiTi) in partnership with FNB, the programme aims to create an empowering atmosphere for women who are eager to infuse technology into their businesses. The programme boasts a supportive and creative environment that exposes female entrepreneurs to the latest available technology resources to improve and grow their business.

 

Participants will benefit from access to comprehensive information and experience shared by highly skilled facilitators and mentors. The program provides a forum for entrepreneurs to introduce efficient systems and processes through the implementation of technology products and services that promote growth, sustainability and scale-up.

 

The programme is implemented through a series of facilitated interactive sessions. These sessions are designed to clarify, test and apply business learnings whilst maximising peer-to-peer knowledge sharing practices.

 

Participants are provided with the opportunity to focus on strengthening their personal entrepreneurial abilities while learning critical business skills. The programme allows entrepreneurs the intellectual space to focus in a flexible and accessible way.

 

Participants are guided through each stage of business development via monthly face-to-face community mentorship sessions during which they are given the opportunity to learn, share information and collaborate.

 

The programme has been adapted to suit an exclusively online engagement strategy. In addition, participants will have access to additional online learning components.

 

Lara Rosmarin, Head of Incubation and Entrepreneurial Development at the Cape Innovation & Technology Initiative (CiTi), says, “Despite recent events, the CiTi team is determined to deliver a successful Women in Business programme. We’ve adapted a sizable portion of our programme to an online format to play our part in social distancing to limit the spread of COVID-19.”

 

Recruitment for the FNB WIB Programme 2022 currently open!

 

To apply for the Women in Business programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Female founders and CEOs with a desire to introduce or improve technology in their businesses (at least 51% female-owned)
  • Business must be registered (CIPC) and operational for at least 6-12 months.
  • Business must be post revenue, R500K revenue
  • Business must fall in these market segments: Manufacturing, Construction and Infrastructure, IT, Tourism, Health tech, Agriculture
  • Business must have a valid BBBEE status (certificate/affidavit)
  • Applicants must be 21 years or older
  • Be available to join one online workshop per week (2 hours) for the duration of the 10-week programme
  • On completion of the 10 week modular programme, be available once a month for online mentorship sessions over a period of 10 months

 

Female entrepreneurs who would like to take part in the Women in Business programme must submit their applications on the Cape Innovation & Technology Initiative’s website www.citi.org.za or like and follow the Cape Innovation & Technology Facebook page for news and updates. After your application is received, one of our team members will be in touch to discuss your application.

 

For more information email wibapps@citi.org.za and to apply, go to https://bit.ly/3Q1fL7J

 

Fiona Tabraham

Fiona Tabraham is a strategic workforce development expert with a career founded on a resolute commitment to inclusivity, talent nurturing, and societal impact. Chief Executive of CAPACITI Digital Career Accelerator, Fiona’s passion for equity has charted pathways across numerous organisations, guiding bespoke Talent Initiatives, Future Leadership Development Programs, and transformative Career Pathway Development. Her tenure at Network Rail bore inclusive talent strategies, STEM advocacy, and innovative Graduate, Apprentice, and Internship initiatives. A trusted partner to a number of governmental, corporate and impact driven entities, Fiona empowers individuals and organisations, fostering diverse recruitment practices and innovative talent strategies. Fiona’s impact transcends the tech sector, positioning her as a leading voice for inclusive digital career initiatives.