City of Cape Town in Partnership With CiTi Calls for Women in Business Programme Applicants

The City of Cape Town and Cape Innovation & Technology Initiative (CiTi) Africa’s oldest tech incubator which works with government, academia, business and society in a bid to promote the inclusive growth of the digital economy has put out a call for female entrepreneurs to apply for the Women in Business programme. Applications are now open for a new group of participants. Launched several years ago, the programme has to date supported over 1 000 female entrepreneurs in and around the city.

Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management, Alderman James Vos said in a statement: “Women entrepreneurs are significant job creators in South Africa with up to 90% of business-owning women stating in a recent survey that creating employment was an important factor for them in starting their enterprises. Through supporting this programme, the City of Cape Town is therefore boosting not only the leaders taking part, but the people they employ.”

During the 10-week programme, participants will learn how to grow their businesses. They will receive mentorship on how to create technology strategies. The programme will also let them network with fellow female entrepreneurs. Taking place online, CiTi reworked the programme into the new format in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Despite recent events, the CiTi team is determined to deliver a successful Women in Business programme,” Head of Incubation and Entrepreneurial Development, Lara Rosmarin said.

To apply for the programme, businesses must be based in South Africa. In addition, the owner needs to be a South African citizen and 21 years or older. Businesses must also be active in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. They must be registered and operating for six to twelve months, and have valid BBBEE status. Upon completing the programme, participants must be available once a month for mentorship sessions over ten months.

Those interested in applying for the programme can do so on the CiTi website.