A global initiative to empower 10 000 women is drawing to a close, with applications for the Goldman Sachs-GIBS 10 000 Women programme closing on 24 May. The initiative aims to empower 10 000 women entrepreneurs globally with business management skills and support services within five years (2008 – 2013) in order for them to grow their businesses, increase turnover and create new jobs.
Support for 10 000 women
In South Africa, 10 000 Women is managed and delivered by the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), the business school of the University of Pretoria.
By the end of 2013, the school will provide 300 female entrepreneurs with a business and management training delivered by leading faculty and industry specialists. This will be supported by mentorship, networking events, community dialogues and business advisory that will enable the women to grow their businesses.
The programme provides high potential women entrepreneurs living in Gauteng with a business and management education over four months. In addition, to help participants apply what they are learning in class to their businesses, they are supported by six months of wrap around services, which include mentorship, networking events, community dialogues and business advisory.
Selection Criteria
- Underserved women entrepreneurs who manage their own businesses in Gauteng, Polokwane, North West and Mpumalanga
- Minimum of a matric qualification, good understanding of English
- Business to have an annual turnover of R200 000 to R7-million
- The entrepreneur must have run/managed the business for at least a year.