EmpowaEntrepreneur Funding Summit

EmpowaEntrepreneur Funding Summit Connecting verified entrepreneurs with funders actively viable businesses to support

27/07/2026

Brand South Africa exists to manage South Africa’s reputation, own our story and tell it to the world. But as Tony Gumede reminded us at the EmpowaEntrepreneurs Funding Summit, that story is shaped by the people building businesses, creating jobs and strengthening the country’s economy.

“Entrepreneurship is really at the heartbeat of what resilience looks like and what the future of jobs in this country looks like.”

For Brand South Africa, supporting platforms like the EmpowaEntrepreneurs Funding Summit is about more than visibility. It is about helping entrepreneurs understand what it takes to become funding ready, connect with organisations that can support their growth and build businesses that contribute to South Africa’s future.

Every entrepreneur has a role to play in shaping the country’s story. Every opportunity to learn, connect and grow strengthens that story.

Get Connected. Get Funded.

22/07/2026

Funding the Future of Fashion.

The decisions you make today will define the business you’re leading a decade from now.

Nearly ten years after co-founding RE-L8 with his twin, Bonang Kau, Duduetsang Kau reflects on one decision with confidence: starting. What began as an innovative idea has grown into a proudly South African brand redefining functional fashion through smart, multifunctional design.

The future of South African entrepreneurship is built when founders get connected to the people, partnerships and funding that help them grow.

Get Connected. Get Funded.

In partnership with
Absa South Africa and W&RSETA

14/07/2026

One conversation can change everything.

Jesse Abrahams heard about the EmpowaEntrepreneurs Funding Summit 2026 on the day of the event, bought his ticket immediately, and arrived ready to make the most of every opportunity.

As Founder and CEO of the Jesse Abrahams Group of Companies, he came with one goal: to connect with investors and explore opportunities to accelerate the growth of his mining business.

By the end of the day, he had built valuable relationships with venture capitalists, expanded his network, and even received an invitation to return for Day 2.

His advice to fellow entrepreneurs?

“When you have an open heart and mind to networking, opportunities naturally follow.”

Sometimes, all it takes is showing up.

🎤 Interviewed by Bophelo Marumo

Get Connected. Get Funded.

29/06/2026

For social entrepreneurs, funding is more than financial support. It’s about building the right partnerships, strengthening governance and becoming investment ready.

At the EmpowaEntrepreneurs Funding Summit 2026, Cwenga Kotu-Rammopo, Founder of Talitha Together, shared her commitment to understanding what funders are looking for and how youth led enterprises and nonprofit organisations can position themselves for sustainable growth.

From compliance and strategic partnerships to capital access and organisational readiness, the summit provided practical insights for entrepreneurs committed to creating meaningful social impact.

When purpose is matched with preparation, opportunities follow.

Get Connected. Get Funded.

In partnership with ABSA South Africa and W&RSETA.

27/06/2026

INNOVATION IN WOMEN’S HEALTH TAKES CENTRE STAGE

Innovation extends beyond technology. It also transforms the products that improve everyday lives.

At the EmpowaEntrepreneurs Funding Summit 2026, delegates connected with Flavia, a Dignity franchisee, to explore innovative feminine hygiene products designed to support women’s health and wellbeing.

Visitors to the Dignity exhibition stand had the opportunity to learn more about the product range, including sanitary pads and panty liners featuring the brand’s proprietary green strip technology. Flavia also shared that the products are regulated by SAHPRA, reflecting Dignity’s commitment to quality and compliance.

The EmpowaEntrepreneurs Funding Summit continues to connect entrepreneurs, innovators and solution providers with the networks, partnerships and opportunities that help businesses grow and create lasting impact.

Get Connected. Get Funded.

In partnership with ABSA South Africa and W&RSETA.

25/06/2026

📍Access to capital starts with access to the right opportunities.

At the EmpowaEntrepreneurs Funding Summit 2026, delegates connected with Reginah Mogole, Investment Associate at Edge Growth, to explore funding opportunities and discover how the organisation supports entrepreneurs on their growth journey.

Through the Edge Growth SME Hub, entrepreneurs can:

• Check their Funding Readiness Score
• Apply for SME funding
• Access practical business tools and resources
• Explore SME development programmes designed to help businesses grow and scale

If you’re looking to strengthen your business and become investment ready, visit the Edge Growth SME Hub:

🔗https://edgegrowth.com/sme-hub/

The EmpowaEntrepreneurs Funding Summit brings entrepreneurs together with the funders, investors and ecosystem partners who are helping shape the future of South African business.

Get Connected. Get Funded.

In partnership with ABSA South Africa and W&RSETA.

22/06/2026

Investment is about more than capital. It’s about building businesses that are financially resilient, operationally sound and positioned for sustainable growth.

At the EmpowaEntrepreneurs Funding Summit 2026, Nomathemba Nhlapo, Investment Analyst at WDB Investment Holdings, shared how rigorous financial analysis, due diligence and strategic support help entrepreneurs become investment-ready and unlock long-term value.

Through private equity investment, mentorship and strategic business guidance, WDB Investment Holdings is empowering businesses with the capital and expertise needed to scale with confidence.

Get Connected. Get Funded.

10/06/2026

In conversation at the EmpowaEntrepreneurs Funding Summit 2026, Ntokozo Zama, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Kairos Chartered Accountants, shared why compliance, governance and financial discipline remain critical building blocks for businesses seeking growth and investment.

As entrepreneurs scale their businesses, ensuring that financial records, regulatory requirements and internal systems are in place is not only about compliance. It is about building credibility and creating confidence among investors, funders and strategic partners.

His message was clear: entrepreneurs should not be intimidated by the numbers. The right support can help businesses become investment-ready and positioned for sustainable growth.

Funding follows businesses that are prepared to scale.

Get Connected. Get Funded.

In partnership with
and

10/06/2026

THE REAL WORK HAPPENS BEFORE THE FUNDING CONVERSATION.

In conversation with Bophelo at the EmpowaEntrepreneurs Funding Summit 2026, Khanyisile Metsing, Programme & Operations Manager at the Young African Entrepreneurs Institute (YAEI), unpacked the critical role investment readiness plays in helping entrepreneurs access growth capital.

The conversation explored how YAEI supports young entrepreneurs through diagnostics, business development programmes and advisory support designed to strengthen the foundations investors look for before committing capital.

Her message was clear: attracting funding is not simply about having a great idea. It is about demonstrating the systems, strategy, financial readiness and operational capability required to execute and scale.

Because in today’s funding environment, readiness often determines whether an opportunity becomes an investment.

Get Connected. Get Funded.

In partnership with ABSA South Africa and W&RSETA.

06/06/2026

IS LOOKING FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF SOUTH AFRICAN FOUNDERS.

At the EmpowaEntrepreneurs Funding Summit 2026, Oreratile Molapo, Business Development Manager at Takealot Marketplace, engaged directly with entrepreneurs to unpack what it takes to become marketplace-ready and access one of South Africa’s leading e-commerce platforms.

The conversation focused on helping founders understand the requirements, opportunities and pathways available to businesses looking to sell through the Takealot ecosystem.

As more businesses look beyond traditional sales channels, digital commerce continues to create new opportunities for growth, visibility and scale.

Because growth is not only about building a great product. It is about connecting that product to the right market.

Get Connected. Get Funded.

In partnership with
and

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