The Hollywood Foundation is set to make yet another impactful investment in women-owned businesses through its continued partnership with the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation’s Empowering Her Women in Business Seminar & Awards. Now in its fourth year, this prestigious event, taking place on September 14th, 2024, at the Inanda Country Club, highlights the Hollywood Foundation’s unwavering commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs across South Africa.
As the primary SMME development funder of this event since 2021, the Hollywood Foundation has consistently provided vital business resources to the winners of this competition, helping them grow and thrive in their respective industries. This year, the Foundation received 260 entries exclusively from 100% black woman-owned businesses, representing diverse sectors such as ICT, Automotive, Construction, Tourism, Medical Services, Manufacturing, Agriculture, Events, Wholesale, and Retail.
The glamorous awards ceremony will be hosted by the internationally acclaimed actress and businesswoman, Nomzamo Mbatha, alongside key partners African Bank and the Hollywood Foundation. The event promises to be an inspiring celebration of female entrepreneurship, featuring a series of interactive sessions, including panel discussions with industry leaders in Finance, Branding and Marketing, Operations, and a powerful Keynote Address by Nomzamo Mbatha herself.
The highlight of the evening will be the announcement of the Top 10 winners, who will share a generous R800,000 prize sponsorship courtesy of the Hollywood Foundation. This significant contribution underscores the Foundation’s mission to support and uplift women entrepreneurs, enabling them to make a substantial impact in their communities and beyond.
“Empowering women in business is not just about providing financial support; it’s about creating opportunities, fostering growth, and building a future where women can lead with confidence. We have since 2021 been intentional with ensuring that adequate resources are provided to SMMEs through the Empowering HER initiative and have great success stories that are fulfilling as testimony” said Ms Babongile Mkhize, Group Transformation Manager at the Hollywood Foundation. “We are proud to partner with the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation in recognizing and rewarding the incredible achievements of these women.”