Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ South Africa

Launched in 2008, the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ program targets women entrepreneurs who have built profitable companies, but have not yet found the essential tools needed to scale sustainably.

How can one woman’s vision create a business masterpiece? Elevating ambitious women entrepreneurs who build great companies and show others what’s possible.

  • Why participate

    Why participate?

    Why participate” accordion – “Provide a gateway to a global community of successful women entrepreneurs and inspiring peer role models who, in 2023, numbered more than 900 across 55 countries.

    Entrepreneurial Winning Women join an international network of women entrepreneurs and participate in a bespoke executive education program with year-round activities designed to:

    Expand their knowledge with the latest information, research and executive dialogues about business strategies and practices.

    Develop the skills needed to effectively identify potential partners, strategic alliances, customers and suppliers as well as find routes to prospective sources of capital.

    • Provide access to informal, one-to-one guidance and support.
    • Strengthen their executive leadership and business skills and identify opportunities to grow through meetings with senior advisors and seasoned entrepreneurs.
    • Increase visibility for themselves and their companies among corporate executives, investors and the media, creating possible new collaborations and opportunities.
    • Provide a gateway to a global community of successful women entrepreneurs and inspiring peer role models who, in 2020, numbered more than 750 across 48 countries.
  • Criteria for the South Africa Program

    Entrepreneurial Winning Women will be expected to demonstrate the necessary qualities to take the fullest advantage of this opportunity, including ambitious company growth goals, energy, creativity, entrepreneurial purpose and passion.

    What we are looking for

    Women entrepreneurs who:

    • Are owners/founders/co-founders/CEOs with a substantial ownership of the business
    • Demonstrate the passion to grow their business and scale up internationally

    Applicants must fit the following criteria to participate:

    1. Have a substantial ownership of the business – at least 50%
    2. Businesses must be at least three years old and have reported at least R2.5m revenue during the last financial year.
    3. Provide complete and full financials in addition to completing application form financials
    4. Provide colour high resolution professional photograph in jpg format
    5. Provide conscise and approved bio of yourself, including the business in word format – no more than 380 words.
    6. Have decision making roles and –
      1. Demonstrate passion to grow their business and scale up
      2.  Are ready to fully commit to the programme and attend the series of four – five workshops in Johannesburg over the twelve months.
    7. Demonstrate passion to grow their business and scale up.

    Applications now open for the Class of 2024.

 

 

Calling ambitious women founders

The program provides the connections, know-how and resources needed to think bigger and sustainably scale your business.

Apply now

Entrepreneurship is entrepreneurship… isn’t it? Women face unique barriers to grow and scale a business – specifically when only 2% of venture capital funding globally* is allocated to women-owned businesses. At EY, we’re on a mission to change that reality for women once and for all.

The EY Entrepreneurial Winning WomenTM program champions entrepreneurs to fulfil their boldest ambitions.

Since 2008, our annual program has welcomed a group of exceptional entrepreneurs and committed to empowering their long-term growth and scalability.

How?

First, we connect these visionaries with access to networks, mentorship and the resources required to help create a business masterpiece and achieve sustainable growth. Then, we integrate program alumnae into a thriving global community of more than 900 entrepreneurs across 55 countries — all working to build inclusive businesses and help address complex challenges. At every stage, we share our platform to spotlight their individual stories and generate game-changing visibility.

Why?

Because the world needs the innovative solutions women-led companies are developing. By closing the gaps in access, networking and learning, we aim to ensure these entrepreneurs reach their full potential and create a lasting impact.

The EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ program is a key commitment undertaken by the EY organization to accelerate gender equity as part of our Women. Fast forward platform. Through this program and other initiatives such as our title sponsorship of the inaugural InvestHer Summit — we are daring to rewrite the narrative and reimagine what is possible. After all, isn’t that what the art of entrepreneurship is all about? We think so.

EY Entrepreneurial Winning WomenTM program around the world

 

Find out about our program across the Americas, Asia-Pacific and EMEIA (Europe, Middle East, India and Africa).

Learn more

Our Alumnae

Meet our Winning Women alumnae

Bold thinkers. Courageous leaders. Role Models. Our vibrant global community of entrepreneurs builds solutions to the world’s most complex issues.
  • Class of 2023

    Stella Sigana

    Alternative Waste Technologies | Kenya

    Provides alternative waste techonology supplies to mitigate against climate change.

    Lauren Anderson

    Koa Academy | South Africa

    Online school combining a robust academic education with an individualized approach.

    Farana Boodhram

    Midesk Global | South Africa

    Designs wheelie school bags for children without desks in rural schools.

    Ego Iwegbu

    MsLondon Cosmetics | South Africa

    Clean makeup brand that provides natural coverage for all skin types and skin tones.

    Tarisai Moffat

    Gateway Synergy | South Africa

    Digital content production house for brands entering Africa.

    Ngwanamatloa Mokone

    ABOT Technology | South Africa

    Software development company that builds cutting-edge technology solutions.

    Vanessa Raath

    The Talent Hunter | South Africa

    Offline and online talent sourcing training for recruiters.

  • Class of 2021/22

    • Asanda Gcoyi (South Africa), CEO of Frontline Africa Advisory
    • Charlaine Baartjes (South Africa), Managing Director of EcoPartners
    • Gina Beyers (South Africa), Owner of The Source PR and Event Management
    • Kabwe Mulolo (South Africa), Founder of Construct Executive Search (Pty) Ltd
    • Kelebogile Makhafola (South Africa), Head Brand Strategist and Founder of Maruapula Brand
    • Megan Willson (South Africa), CEO and Creative Director of 360 Degrees Production House
    • Michele Carelse (South Africa), EO of Feelgood Health
    • Michelle Booysen (South Africa), Group President and Transformation Solution Designer of Petanque NXT Group
    • Mmamontsheng Rakumakoe (South Africa), CEO of quadcare
    • Sasha  Knott (South Africa), Managing Director of Job Crystal
    • Suchitha Gajathar (South Africa), CEO of The Vegan Chef
    • Tammy Frazer (South Africa), Founder of Frazer Parfum
  • Class of 2019/20

    “We are pleased to welcome a new class of business women to our programme. Unlike many programmes which are focused on helping women start a business, EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women is focused on supporting women in their growth journey beyond start-up businesses. A critical part of the programme is providing the women with access to successful role models and business-building networks.”

    The 16 women will join an elite business network of the country’s best high-growth companies and participate in year-round activities designed to build both personal and professional confidence” - Azim Omar, EY Africa Growth Markets Leader.

    • Construct Executive Search (Pty) Ltd, Kabwe Mulolo
    • 360 Degrees Production House, Megan Willson
    • EcoPartners, Charlaine Baartjes
    • Frontline Africa Advisory, Asanda Gcoyi
    • Hooked on Books, Shaeleen Tobin-Setzkorn
    • Hooked on Books, Laura Tobin-Setzkorn
    • Human Destiny Exec Search & Recruitment, Elena Mouyis
    • Kapcor Construction (Pty) Ltd, Caroll Masevhe
    • NXA Technology, Lerato Dontache
    • People Solutions, Nita Goodall
    • Petanque NXT Group, Michelle Booysen
    • PBM Group, Refilwe Sebothoma
    • Ricinz Construction, Indrani Govender
    • Sheer Bliss, Nadine Hocter
    • The Source PR & Event Management, Gina Beyers
    • Zvikai Systems (Pty) Ltd, Ivy Gwewera
  • Class of 2018

    • ANH Investments Holdings, Mmabatho Hlabangane
    • Bee Recruitment, Cloe Dennis
    • Caveat Legal, Yvonne Wakefield
    • Equitable Proxies Co, Phindile Mahlalela
    • Flow Communications (Pty) Ltd, Tiffany Turkington-Palmer
    • IT Networks, Thavamoney (Ruby) Moodley
    • Livingfacts, Marylou Kneale
    • MFT Executive Advisory Service, Manisha Dass
    • Olwazini Consulting Service (Pty) Ltd, Phindile Msomi
    • Oryx Desert Salt (PTY) Ltd, Samantha Skyring
    • Pure Grit Project and Exhibitions, Zaida Enver
    • RecruitMyMom (PTY) Ltd, Phillipa Geard
    • Step Ahead Staffing, Melisa Evans
    • Summer Time Creatives CC, Raksha Mahabeer
    • Zevoli 351 (Pty) Ltd, Mpopi Khupe
  • Class of 2017

    • Kgobati Magome, Community Innovations
    • Gail Downing, Acorn Products (Pty) Ltd
    • Zandile Nzalo, Zanenza Holdings
    • Candice Roberts, CallForce
    • Stacey Brewer, Spark Schools
    • Dikeledi Mosime, TIN-PAC Promotional Packaging
    • Tara Turkington, Flow Communications (Pty) Ltd
    • Tania Reid, Ithemba Office Solutions
    • Lauren Gamsu, Black Sheep Design
    • Jodi Fittinghoff, Jodam Manufacturers cc
    • Viloshnee Singh, Thembane Chemicals (Pty) Ltd
    • Najmah Mallick, Meezan Building Services
    • Lynette Bezuidenhout, Mobile Agri Skills Development & Training (NPC)
    • Nonkululeko Ntshona, Nonku Ntshona & Assoc Quantity Surveyors (Pty) Ltd
    • Jennifer Claasen, Ngaphaya Y2K10 Trading cc
    • Jutta Berns-Mumbi, Ecocentric cc
    • Jean Chawapiwa, Win Win Solutions 4 Africa
    • Judy Sunasky, Blendwell Chemicals
    • Dinao Lerutla, Alula Water Pty Ltd
    • Vino Govender, LA Consulting Engineers
    • Toni Glass, Toni Glass Collection
  • Class of 2016

    • Christi Maherry, LAWtrust
    • Fee Halsted, Ardmore Ceramic Art
    • Risna Opperman, Roses for U t/a Urth
    • Kariema Price, Pyramid Electrical Contractors
    • Dolly Mbuyane, Nozihle Cleaning Services
    • Shameem Kumandan, Washtub Laundry
    • Melanie Medell, Melaire Linens
    • Dudu Mofokeng, Legaci Superior Dry Cleaners and Laundry Services
    • Patricia Koekemoer, Professional Sourcing
    • Ayanda Mzondeki, Liyema Consulting
    • Gcinile Mamba, Sivivane Construction
    • Phindile Machweu, Sasamela Trading Enterprise & Projects
    • Vimala Ariyan, Southern African Institute of Learning
    • Lerato Molefe, Naaya Consulting
    • Faaeza Doola, Hott Design and Print
  • Class of 2015

    • Annie Malan, Annie Malan Productions
    • Lynette Nontobeko, Boniswa Corporate Solutions
    • Sarisa Ferreira, Areli Veg (Pty) Ltd
    • Precious Thamaga, Precious Celebrations
    • Marthie Jansen van Rensburg, EASTC
    • Paula Fray, frayintermedia
    • Marli Hoffman, The Little Ashford Preschool
    • Jena Mukina, The Little Ashford Preschool
    • Debbi Demetriou, Mitras Amenities
    • Nisha Maharaj, Niche Integrated Services
    • Laura Reynolds, Recruit IT Group
    • Fiona Aitken, Sight Projects & Interiors
    • Dr Lynette Molefi, Telemedicine Africa (Pty) Ltd
  • Class of 2014

    • Kirsty Galliard, General Post
    • Tebogo Mashego, Diep K Steel & Aluminium
    • Mikateko Mdhuli, Zethu Consulting Services
    • Tebogo Molotsi, Stitches Clothing
    • Linda Moore, Ignite Energy Saving
    • Tania Mulligan, Kushesh Trading
    • Hanita Muthray, nt’Shona Langa Valley
    • Albertina Phuti, Niphuti Business Enterprise
    • Dimakatso Sekhoto, Makolobane Farmers Enterprises
    • Amanda Uys, Stay City
  • Class of 2013

    • Nthabi Sibanda, PUO Educational Products
    • Bhekiwe Nxumalo, PUO Educational Products
    • Mellanie van der Byl, Let's Share Trading
    • Cynthia Mkhombo, Masana Hygiene
    • Nkhensani Nkosi, Stoned Cherrie
    • Tracy Foulkes, NOMU
    • Pria Hassan, Women of Africa
    • Johanna McDowell, Mazole Holdings
    • Suzanne Stevens, Brightrock
    • Kurisani Maswanganyi, Kulani Engineering Consultancy
    • Hlamalani Ndlovu, Fikile Construction
    • Divine Ndhlukula,Securico

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