EmpowHER: Creatingaccess to markets for entrepreneurs.
22 May 2025
GAUTENG
E M POW HER
The EmpowHER Development Series is aimed at building communities and creating access to networks for entrepreneurs.
Travelling across provinces, 10 pre-selected entrepreneurs pitch their promising business models to a well rounded panel of high level thought leaders and business experts in the form of a 3-minute elevator
pitch followed by an interactive 5-minute Q&A where participants receive feedback on how to successfully grow their businesses into market leaders.
The winners from all the regions are then entered into the annual Standard Bank Top Women Awards and 1 Winner walks home with the trophy and a R50 000 cash prize. n
“It has been an incredibly good event. It is very professional. Each speaker has added so much value.
What I love the most is it has been a really relaxed environment, beautiful decor, gorgeous entertainment and food but most importantly it is the vibe with the women, you can sense the joy and excitement in the room.”
Cindy Norcott CEO of ProTalent EmpowHER Speaker
Welcome to the official Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Conference 2025.
08. Welcome
An Introduction by the CEO of Topco Media, Ralf Fletcher
13. Speakers
Have a look at the speakers lined up for the day.
17.
Judges
Have a look at our esteemed panel of judges.
10.
Schedule
A brief breakdown of the events of the day.
14. Finalists
Meet the finalists of this year’s Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Conference.
18.
Sponsors
We thank each & every one of our partners for their contributions.
WELCOME Organisers
Ralf Fletcher | CEO, Topco Media
Dear EmpowHER Delegates, Welcome to the Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Conference 2025. This is a powerful gathering of purpose-driven women entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers and we are excited to have you join us.
At Topco Media, we recognise that the journey for women in business is often defined not by a lack of vision or capability, but by systemic barriers such as limited access to markets, networks, and capital. This conference was created to actively address those gaps, offering a dynamic platform where female entrepreneurs can connect, be inspired, and take tangible steps toward growth and success.
We know that starting and scaling a business takes courage – and even more so when access to value chains and opportunity is uneven. That’s why, in partnership with Standard Bank – a champion for women on the rise – we are committed to building an inclusive ecosystem that equips and empowers women to reach their “next.”
A major highlight of today’s programme is the EmpowHER Pitching Den, where 10 visionary entrepreneurs will deliver 3-minute pitches showcasing their innovative business models. These participants will receive real-time feedback from a panel of industry experts, focusing on investment readiness, access to new markets, customer acquisition, and sustainable growth. The winning entrepreneur of each province will attend the 22nd Annual Standard Bank Top Women Awards in Johannesburg in December, where one will be named the EmpowHER Entrepreneur of Year 2025 and win a R50,000 cash prize. We invite you to make the most of this experience by engaging in high-impact conversations with like-minded peers and take in the knowledge and insights that can influence and accelerate your entrepreneurial journey.
We are honoured to have you with us as part of this movement. Together, let’s break boundaries, ignite collaboration, and drive meaningful change for women-led businesses across
Here’s to a day of learning, connection, and elevation.
Warm regards,
Ralf Fletcher CEO, Topco Media
SCHEDULE Conference
Have a look at our order of events at the Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Conference 2025
08h00 – 09h00 REGISTRATION & REFRESHMENTS
09h00 - 09h15
Opening remarks with Mokoena Moloto, Corporate Moderator & MC
09h15 - 09h30
Standard Bank Address: with Lagini Govender, Head, Provincial Enterprise Banking, Standard Bank South Africa
09h30 - 10h00
Keynote Address: with Yael Geffen, Sotheby’s CEO & Standard Bank Top Women Award Winner
10h00 - 10h30
Fireside chat with Busi Selesho, Internationally Accredited Money Coach, Speaker & Author
10h30 - 11h00 REFRESHMENTS + NETWORKING
11h00 - 12h00 Fast track networking session – “Turning conversations into connections”
12h00 - 13h00 LUNCH
13h00 – 15h00
The Pitching Den Begins Good luck to all of our finalists
15h30 Closing remarks with Mokoena Moloto, Corporate Moderator & MC
15h30 - 17h30
Good Luck to All of our Finalists!
E mpow HER: Creating access to markets for
ENTREPRENEURS
Thank you to each and every one of our EmpowHER Speakers for your contributions in making today possible.
Yael Geffen
SOTHEBY’S CEO & STANDARD BANK TOP WOMEN AWARD WINNER
INTERNATIONALLY ACCREDITED MONEY COACH, SPEAKER & AUTHOR
Busi Selesho Lagini Govender
HEAD, PROVINCIAL ENTERPRISE BANKING, STANDARD BANK SOUTH AFRICA
Your Conference Host
MOKOENA
CORPORATE MODERATOR & MC
FINALISTS Gauteng
Have a look at our Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Entrepreneurs who qualified as our finalists this year.
PSD Scent Perfumes (Pty) Ltd
Phumulile Mkhonza Terakon (Pty) Ltd Nonhlanhla Magubane
Zanele Stole
Ace Models (Pty) Ltd
Joani Jacobs
Unjani Clinic Botshabelo
Mampe Elisa Konyama
TsogoMath
Refilwe Mamogale
Mathibe Manufacturing
Mapula Kgosi
Home Of Nula™
Tebogo Moraka
Zibangwenya Supplies T/A ZS Uniforms
Khabonina Mnguni
Melokuhle Holdings
Tidimalo Nkosi
JUDGES Our Esteemed
Thank you to each and every one of our EmpowHER Judges for your contributions in making today possible.
Linda Swart Head: Client Journeys, CX Insights and Adoption, Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank South Africa
Busi Selesho
Accredited Money Coach, Speaker & Author
Nonnie Kubeka
Palesa Ramodibe
Head of Marketing and Communications Africa, Wipro
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
EMPOW HER
Creating access to markets for entrepreneurs
