The Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation, in a powerful partnership with the Hollywood Foundation, is proud to announce a call for entries for the EmpoweringHER Seminar and Business Awards 2025. This prestigious programme is dedicated to celebrating and elevating the phenomenal women who are building, leading, and fundamentally transforming the business landscape across South Africa. It represents a significant opportunity for female entrepreneurs to gain recognition, funding, and a platform to amplify their impact.
Celebrating Five Years of Women’s Empowerment
Now marking its fifth anniversary, the EmpoweringHER Awards have established a proud legacy of honouring a collective of extraordinary women. These are the visionaries colouring the commercial world with vibrancy, innovation, and profound social impact. If you are a bold and resilient entrepreneur making tangible waves within your community or industry, this is your definitive moment to step into the spotlight. The initiative calls on founders who embody a powerful trifecta of innovation, resilience, and unwavering purpose.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply for the EmpoweringHER Awards?
This opportunity is specifically designed to support legitimate, trading female-owned businesses. To ensure a fair and structured selection process, the following eligibility criteria have been set. Applicants must:
- Be a 100% female-owned business.
- Possess valid CIPC registration documentation and a valid tax certificate.
- Have a business that has been in active operation for at least 12 months.
- Be prepared to submit a comprehensive business plan or a clear, detailed description of the company’s nature and activities.
- Upload a compelling video (maximum 1 minute) that effectively showcases the business and its impact to date.
A Glimpse at the Life-Changing Prize Pool
The EmpoweringHER Awards are committed to providing substantial financial support to help scale women-led enterprises. The total prize pool is designed to create multiple winners, significantly amplifying the initiative’s reach and effect. The prizes to be awarded are as follows:
- First Prize: R200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Rand)
- Second Prize: R150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Rand)
- Third Prize: R100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Rand)
- Seven Base Prizes: 7 x R50,000.00 (Fifty Thousand Rand) each
This generous funding can serve as a critical catalyst for business expansion, equipment purchase, marketing efforts, or team growth.
Related opportunity: Secure Funding at the JSE SME Capital Matching Roadshow
How to Submit Your Application for 2025
The application window for the 2025 awards is strictly observed. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to prepare their documents in advance to ensure a timely submission.
- Entries Open: Monday, 20 October 2025
- Entries Close: Friday, 31 October 2025
All applications must be submitted electronically via the official application portal. Interested and qualifying candidates should apply now through the following link:
Apply Now for the EmpoweringHER Seminar and Business Awards 2025
Seize Your Moment to Shine in 2025
The EmpoweringHER Seminar and Business Awards are more than just a competition; they are an invitation to join an influential and supportive network of phenomenal women who are shaping the future of South African business. By applying, you are not only competing for significant grant funding but also positioning your venture for unparalleled growth, visibility, and connection.
Prepare your documents, craft your story, and get ready to showcase the incredible work you are doing. This is your chance to be recognised among the best and brightest female entrepreneurs in the nation.
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