ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
15 VISIONARY WOMEN-LED BUSINESSES SELECTED FOR ELITE SHESHISA ACCELERATOR PROGRAMME
From a highly competitive pool of 244 applicants, 15 exceptional women-led businesses have secured a place in the prestigious Sheshisa Women Accelerator Programme, an initiative aimed at fast-tracking the growth of high-potential female entrepreneurs.
Their selection marks a significant milestone in advancing women-led innovation, enterprise development and inclusive economic growth in eThekwini.
EThekwini Municipality's Economic Development Directorate, in partnership with Innovate Durban, Software AG, American Spaces and iKhokha, today announced the successful cohort for the programme.
The selected businesses represent some of the region's most innovative and promising enterprises, spanning a range of industries and demonstrating strong potential for growth, job creation and long-term sustainability.
Over the next six months, the entrepreneurs will participate in an intensive business acceleration programme offering tailored mentorship, strategic business development support, industry expertise and exclusive networking opportunities.
The programme has been designed to equip participants with the tools and capabilities needed to scale their businesses, unlock new markets and strengthen their competitiveness.
Thato Bopape, Programme Manager for Innovation, Research and Strategy in the Municipality congratulated this intake.
"The future of business is increasingly being shaped by women, and we are proud to support their growth. The exceptional quality and diversity of applications received reflect the remarkable entrepreneurial talent within our City. While selecting just 15 businesses was no easy task, we are confident these entrepreneurs have the vision, resilience and ambition to become industry leaders,” said Bopape.
The Sheshisa Women Accelerator Programme remains committed to closing the gender gap in entrepreneurship by providing women-owned businesses with the resources, mentorship and strategic support required to thrive.
By empowering these entrepreneurs to scale sustainably, the programme aims to stimulate local economic development, drive innovation and create meaningful employment opportunities.
The selected cohort will commence the six-month accelerator immediately, with regular updates on their progress, milestones and achievements to be shared throughout the programme.
The Sheshisa Women Accelerator Programme is a flagship business development initiative dedicated to empowering women-led enterprises through intensive incubation, mentorship and strategic support, enabling entrepreneurs to build resilient businesses and achieve sustainable growth.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality's Marketing and Communications Directorate
