Despite meaningful progress in women’s participation in the economy, many women-led businesses across South Africa still face persistent challenges, from limited access to markets and networks to barriers in securing funding and digital tools.
These realities were brought into sharp focus at the Women Trade Intervention Dialogue last week (1 August 2025). Hosted by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in conjunction with a number of partners, including Standard Bank, the event launched the national Women’s Month calendar and created a platform for women-owned businesses to trade, connect and grow.
Among the exhibitors were more than 25 women-led enterprises supported by Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking through its Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programme. The businesses were given the opportunity to showcase their offerings, engage with potential customers and unlock visibility.
“At Standard Bank, we are intentional about removing barriers that prevent women-led businesses from scaling,” says Naledzani Mosomane, head of ESD at Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking. “This platform allowed us to connect our ESD female entrepreneurs with buyers, investors and the public, turning possibility into opportunity while translating exposure into real economic value.”
As part of the day’s activities, Standard Bank also sponsored a live pitch challenge where six women entrepreneurs were invited to present their businesses in front of a panel of judges. Two winners walked away with R10 000 each in funding to support their growth ambitions. The challenge highlighted the quality and innovation among women-led enterprises and reinforced the need for financial backing at critical stages of business development.
To further support trading capability, all participating businesses were equipped with the Standard Bank SimplyBLU point-of-sale devices at no rental cost. These tools enabled seamless digital payments while removing the burden of upfront capital, an often-overlooked barrier for many small enterprises.
This initiative forms part of Standard Bank’s broader mission to support inclusive economic participation. As South Africa holds the G20 Presidency this year, there is renewed urgency to elevate women-led businesses and ensure they are meaningfully included in global economic growth strategies.
This commitment is further evidenced by the bank’s sponsorship of the B20 Summit, the official G20 business engagement forum, and its role as the host of the Women 20 (W20), the official G20 engagement group focused on gender equity that the bank also advocates for. Through these strategic involvements and more, Standard Bank continues to reaffirm its dedication to amplifying women’s voices and economic contributions on both national and international stages.
“If we want sustainable, inclusive growth, we have to intentionally support and invest in women as these entrepreneurs are vital to their communities and South Africa’s economic future,” adds Mosomane.