Santam, Fairlady and Truelove are looking for the most impactful, resilient and inspiring female entrepreneurs in the country for their Women of the Future Awards.
Now in their eighth year, the awards have become a well-known, prestigious accolade for women-owned businesses, not only contributing to the further success of the winning enterprises, but also garnering them international recognition. It is an opportunity to celebrate the most successful female entrepreneurs in South Africa.
“I’ve been one of the judges for the Santam Women of the Future Awards for the past eight years,” says Fairlady editor Suzy Brokensha, “and I absolutely love it because it showcases exactly what South African women are capable of – it’s extraordinary! It’s not just about the great ideas – although those are always impressive – but also about the determination to succeed against considerable odds that I find so inspiring. To see these talented, brilliant women rewarded for their grit and effort is a huge joy.”
“This year’s awards come at a critical point in our country and economy,” says Truelove editor Makhosazana Zwane-Siguqa. “We’ve been through the shock of a worldwide pandemic; it was a first for our generation and, quite simply, the worst trauma we have had to live through. For women entrepreneurs in particular, it was life changing. Businesses that have survived the past two years or launched over this period need all the support they can get. This is underscored by women more likely becoming entrepreneurs, given there are still fewer opportunities available to them, coupled with their responsibilities as primary caregivers.”
Entries in the following categories:
1. The Santam Woman of the Future title is awarded to an entrepreneur aged 30 or older whose business is more than 1 000 days old and who is well on her way to establishing an extensive enterprise.
2. The Santam Rising Star title is awarded to an entrepreneur between 16 and 30 years old who is still within her first 1 000 days, but whose business, our judges believe, will flourish way beyond them.
3. The Santam Social Entrepreneur title is awarded to an entrepreneur aged 30 or older, who is making a real difference in her community. Her business/social enterprise/NPO has survived the first 1 000 days.
Visit womenofthefuture.co.za/ to enter or nominate an entrepreneur. Entries close on 20 June 2022.
