Volkswagen Commits To R175 000 Cash Injection For Female Entrepreneurs

As part of its partnership with Lionesses of Africa, the one million+ strong all-female business network in Africa, Volkswagen has introduced ‘The Lionesses Den’ and is calling on female-owned businesses in South Africa to share a two-minute pitch. The top three pitches will win capital to invest in their businesses and in turn help drive the South African economy forward.

This offers an opportunity for female entrepreneurs to access capital amid the COVID-19 challenges on the South African economy and small businesses in particular.

According to a 2018 survey conducted by Facebook, in partnership with the World Bank and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), female entrepreneurs are in a minority within the entrepreneurial landscape and, even though half of South Africa’s population is female, only 34% of small, medium and micro enterprises are led by females. (source:  SME Africa)

In addition to this, regardless of the financial impact of COVID-19, many female-led businesses have already been struggling to stay afloat because of the lack of cash injection to invest back into operations, skills, marketing, and infrastructure.

Who is eligible to enter?

Female entrepreneurs who are part of the Lionesses of Africa network, across all sectors and industries can enter the competition by submitting their two-minute recorded video business pitch on the Lionesses Den website. Interested business owners can follow the link for more information : www.vwlionessesden.co.za 

Volkswagen’s Lionesses Den competition runs from 1 July 2020 to 2 August 2020. The selected winners will be announced on 21 August 2020 during the Lionesses Lean-In event.