2024 - 2025 COHORT
You didn’t come this far to stop
These are the selected candidates for our 2024–2025 cohort, and we are truly inspired by the passion and potential of these women-owned local businesses. Our aim is to help them scale up by increasing their monthly revenue, supporting them in acquiring business assets, assisting them in employing at least one additional staff member, preparing them to be funding-ready, and equipping them with essential financial literacy skills. We are excited to be part of their growth journey and future success.
Meet the founders
Sbongile: Beauty Parlor
Hi there! I’m the founder of a beauty parlour offering a diverse range of services. So far, I’ve had the opportunity to employ over 10 team members, and I’m excited about the journey ahead. A big thank you to Imbizo for the incredible support, mentorship, and tools that continue to equip me to grow and lead with confidence.
Thanda: Tuck Shop
Hi there, I started a local tuckshop four years ago with a passion to serve my community. My dream is to grow it into a full supermarket one day — a goal that won’t just transform my life, but also create meaningful opportunities for my employees and the people around me.
Sizakele: Fast Food
Hi there! I’m currently an apprentice at a local fast food business, learning the ropes and sharpening my culinary skills. My dream is to launch my own small business and kickstart my journey as a local chef. I believe I have a unique twist and bold flavour to bring to the township fast food scene.
Nomonde: Bakery
Hi there! I’m a self-starter with a passion for baking and empowering young people who are unemployed. I run a local bakery where I not only create delicious baked goods but also aim to create opportunities and skills development for youth in my community.
Busisiwe: Salon
Hi there! I recently started a home-based salon after struggling to find employment. I chose to turn my passion into a business, creating a space where I can do what I love while building a future for myself. I may not know exactly what lies ahead, but I remain hopeful and committed to growing.
Ntokozo: Salon
Hi there! I’m passionate about helping people feel confident by enhancing their natural beauty. What began as a hobby has grown into a salon business, and I now see real potential to turn it into a sustainable source of income and impact in my community.
Phindile: Boutique
Hi, I run a vibrant fashion destination nestled in the heart of the township, offering high-quality, stylish clothing at accessible prices. Catering to fashion-forward individuals, the boutique curates a diverse selection of apparel that blends contemporary trends with local flair.
Nonkululeko: Bakery
Hi there! I run a bakery in my community, where I proudly supply delicious, freshly made treats to my neighbors. My dream is to grow and expand the business into other sections of my township, bringing quality baked goods and a taste of home to even more people.
Nozipho: Restaurant
Hi, what began as a simple bakery naturally evolved into a full restaurant — not by choice, but in response to a growing demand for quality food that wasn’t being met. Seeing the gap, I launched Imbizo Café in 2023, and it has been thriving ever since.
Thabisile: Skin Care
Hi there! I started my organic skincare journey after seeing how many young people including myself were struggling with ongoing skin problems. It was frustrating to watch them lose confidence, using harsh products that only made things worse. That’s when I decided to create something different.
Mrs Ngubane: Tuck Shop
Hi there! I’ve been running my business for over three years. My passion is to build self-sustaining ventures while bringing convenience to my community by selling essential goods locally — so people don’t have to travel far to get what they need.
Ntobizonke: Deco & Events
Hi there! I run an event company that provides a variety of décor packages — from kids’ parties to large-scale events. I take great pride in my work and truly enjoy helping my community celebrate life’s beautiful moments in style.
Siphokazi: Furniture shop
Hi there! I started a second-hand furniture shop in the township to make quality furniture more accessible. I buy in bulk from the city and resell at affordable prices, saving my customers the high cost of transport and long trips. It’s a convenient solution that brings value and comfort closer to home..
Nonkululeko: Textile
Hi there! I’m passionate about textiles — from sewing garments for special events and supplying school uniforms to creating custom bags for local businesses and larger brands. My dream is to grow beyond our small space and expand into serving even bigger clients, while continuing to deliver quality and creativity in every stitch.
Amanda: Retail & Boutique
Hi there! I’m the founder of a retail and boutique shop where I source second-hand clothes, refurbish them, and sell them at affordable prices. My dream is to expand and open branches in different townships. I believe there’s a real gap in the market for stylish, affordable fashion that serves our communities.
Phumzile: Thrift Shop
Hi there! I provide quality, gently used goods at affordable prices. My shop not only promotes sustainable living, but also supports local economic growth and creates employment opportunities for youth in the community.
Nomusa: Local Kitchen
Hi there! I run a small local kitchen that specializes in a variety of traditional dishes. I cater to both early morning workers and those heading to evening shifts, ensuring each meal is prepared just the way they like it. Cooking has been my passion since childhood, and I’m proud to share that love through every plate I serve.
