Are you a driven woman entrepreneur with a growing business in South Africa? The She’s Next programme, empowered by Visa and Absa, is offering an incredible opportunity for women-led businesses to access funding, mentorship, and practical business training in 2025.
This initiative aims to break down barriers for women entrepreneurs, providing financial support and professional development tools to help them scale with confidence.
What’s on Offer?
Participants stand a chance to receive a share of over R1 million in business funding, alongside exclusive access to mentoring and business development training. The funding will be awarded as follows:
- 1st Place: R450,000
- 2nd Place: R270,000
- 3rd Place: R150,000
- Social Impact Winner: R100,000
In addition to the cash awards, selected applicants will receive:
- Tailored mentorship from experienced professionals
- Business training modules designed to equip you with critical skills for scaling
- Networking and visibility opportunities
Even if you’re not a top prize winner, the training resources provided will still benefit a broader group of qualifying applicants.
Related opportunity: UVU Bio Opens Applications for Biotech Startups: Scale Your Innovation in 2025
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a woman aged 18 or older
- Be a legal resident of South Africa
- Own at least 51% of the business and operate it within the country
- The business must be at least 1 year old
- Your business must offer a product or service that is already in market
- Have an annual turnover between R2 million and R25 million
Note: Only one application per person will be considered.
Why You Should Apply
Visa and Absa’s She’s Next is more than a funding opportunity — it’s a platform that amplifies and supports women entrepreneurs who are building businesses that impact communities, create jobs, and shape South Africa’s economic future.
This programme is especially relevant for women founders who are beyond the idea stage, are earning revenue, and need capital and guidance to scale to the next level.
Application Deadline
Applications close on Monday, 21 July 2025 at 23:59 SAST.
Late entries will not be considered, so submit your application as soon as possible.
How to Apply
Applications are now open and can be completed online.
Apply here:
https://form.typeform.com/to/nZ53Y9ll
For more information, visit:
www.visa.co.za/run-your-business/she-is-next.html
Stay Updated
Stay connected to StepApp for more opportunities like this by joining the StepApp Business Network:
- WhatsApp Group: Join here
- Facebook Page: Follow us
- LinkedIn Profile: Connect with StepApp
- X (Twitter): Follow StepApp SA on X