Absa, in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, is launching a new training program aimed at empowering women and youth business owners. This initiative is part of Absa’s ongoing efforts to support female entrepreneurs and address the unique challenges they face in the business world.
The program will provide a comprehensive approach to business development, offering training, mentorship, and financial solutions to help women and youth entrepreneurs build the skills they need to succeed. By collaborating with top experts and institutions, Absa aims to level the playing field and help these entrepreneurs thrive in today’s competitive market.
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Holistic approach
Sanah Gumede, Managing Executive for Strategy and Customer Value Management at Absa Relationship Banking, highlighted the importance of this initiative. “We recognize the need for a holistic approach to empower entrepreneurs, particularly women, with the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive business environment,” said Gumede. “Through our ongoing discussions with business owners, we’ve identified a clear demand for skills development in business strategy and financial management to help them scale their businesses and access funding.”
The program includes a series of free webinars known as the SME Funding Readiness Webinar Series. These sessions are open to all women and youth-owned businesses and will cover crucial topics such as strategic visioning, financial management, budgeting, and marketing. The webinars aim to equip participants with practical strategies and insights to help them prepare for business funding and make informed financial decisions.
Webinar Topics and Dates:
- 29 August 2024: Strategic Visioning and Long-term Planning
- 26 September 2024: Fundamentals of Financial Management
- 31 October 2024: Financial Goals: Budgeting and Forecasting
- 28 November 2024: Marketing and Exploring New Markets
- 5 December 2024: Attracting Investment: Making Your Business Appealing to Investors
Entrepreneurs can register for the webinar series for free through this link: https://eur.cvent.me/NkbyM.
In addition to the webinars, Absa is also launching an SME Business School for select women-owned businesses. This school will offer in-depth training on business planning, financial management, team building, and productivity, all delivered by industry leaders. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in practical workshops and network with peers and experts.
Leadership academy in Germany
Furthermore, a select group of Absa clients will be invited to attend the Frankfurt School of Finance International Leadership Academy in Germany. This week-long program is designed to enhance leadership skills through coaching, networking, and analytical reflection.
“We are committed to supporting women at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey,” Gumede added. “This collaboration is a step towards breaking down barriers and creating a more equitable business environment. As a banking group, we embrace our responsibility in enabling a conducive environment for women-operated businesses to not only exist but to be formalized and sustainable.”
This initiative reflects Absa’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, helping them build successful and sustainable businesses.