The entrepreneurial sector is ever-changing and one of the reasons is the inclusion of women. With their strong resilience, determination and creativity, many are breaking barriers and dominating the entrepreneurial market with a variety business ideas for women.
Female entrepreneurship is defined as the economic activity of women who think, initiate, organise and combine factors to create businesses. These women combine the factors of production, run the business and undertake risks while handling the economic uncertainty of running a business.
As a country, we have to be more inclusive to female entrepreneurs. This will ensure that the economy grows, no gender is left behind and employment is created for many other individuals.
In this article, we look at the business ideas that are viable for women and how to get started.
Catering and Baking Business
South Africans love food and with our rich cultural heritage, there are a lot of different cuisines. You can take advantage of this and start a home-based catering and baking business. In this business, you can offer South African classics like braai meat, potjie, and fat cakes.
For the baking side, you can do desserts like malva pudding, koeksister and milk tart. This will ensure you cater for a range of cultures, customers and taste buds. All this will lead to a successful business making good profits.
Additionally, you can offer catering services for events. These can include weddings, parties, corporate events and private dinners.
E-commerce Business
E-commerce has changed the way most businesses operate online. As a woman, starting an online business presents a business that requires no costs such as infrastructure or equipment. You only need your laptop and the products or services you provide.
Dropshipping is a great online business to start. You do not need any products but simply act as the middle (wo)man between the customer and the supplier.
If you have your own product(s) or service(s), you can use e-commerce to sell it online. You can either start your own website and sell directly from there. Or else become a supplier for a big retailer like Takealot or Amazon South Africa.
Content Creation
In this modern age, content creation is seen as a way of making a living. Utilising social media, content creators partner with brands to advertise products and services. Many of these brand deals run on for months and come with a lot of money for a simple post or mention.
By investing in your online presence, building an audience and keeping up with the latest trends, you can create a strong online brand. Through this, you will be able to secure work with local and international brands and make a lot of money.
Agribusiness and Farming
There is a huge demand for locally produced products, especially fruits, vegetables and even meat. Women can tap into the industry by establishing farms, community gardens or urban farming initiatives.
Sustainable farming methods are in demand and so is the need for food security. By starting a business within these sectors, you can generate a sustainable income and contribute towards environmental sustainability and community well-being.
Tourism Experience Services
According to recent statistics about South Africa’s tourism sector, the country welcomed 2,4 million international tourists between January and March 2024. This was a 15,4% increase from 2023. This shows that South Africa is a popular destination for tourists and there is a need for more tourism-based businesses.
Women can open tourism businesses and offer tours, cultural immersion activities, travel services and accommodation services. These services can provide an unforgettable experience for tourists and highlight the best parts of South Africa.
These business ideas are just a few of many. Women do not have to be boxed into certain careers or businesses to be successful.
Funding Opportunities for Women-owned Businesses
After choosing a business which works for you, you may want to think about getting funding for the business. Some of the funding opportunities aimed at women-owned businesses include:
Isisvande Women’s Fund – The programme provides funding in the form of debt, equity and quasi-equity. You can use the funds as bridging finance, for growth, or acquisition of a business.
Women Empowerment Fund – The fund is aimed at accelerating the provision of funding to black female-owned businesses.
Masisizane Fund – Developed by Old Mutual, the fund aims to provide enterprise development and funding to black-owned businesses run by the youth, women and people with disabilities.
Dazzle Angels – This private investment funding platform aims to help female entrepreneurs with funding and business support.
Note: Dazzle Angels is currently not directly investing in any businesses. However, they have partnered with a few lenders that cater for different funding options.
These are just a few funds that target women-owned businesses. You can apply to any of them depending on what kind of funding your business needs.
Remember, there is no business idea too small or silly to pursue, especially as a woman. Find the right kind of enterprise for you and start your business today!
For more information on female-based businesses, visit the SME South Africa website. Book an appointment with one of our experts by visiting the advice page.
