GIBS Entrepreneurship Development Academy

If you’re a woman entrepreneur ready to invest in your growth, this programme is for YOU! The Road to growth programme has been specifically developed for ambitious women entrepreneurs with growing businesses and supports you to build the knowledge, skills, confidence and networks needed to take your business to the next level. Disclaimer: All in-person training sessions will take place in Gauteng/Western Cape. Applications for the 2026 Road to Growth Programme are now open! Closing Date: 2 April 2026.” Apply today: https://www.surveymonkey.com/roadtogrowth

Are you based in the Free State, Matjhabeng Local Municipality?

The Programme, powered by BANKSETA, supports entrepreneurs with the skills, tools, and guidance to help launch and formalise their ventures.

Scan the QR Code or find the relevant link on our bio to apply.

For more information, please contact Thabile Semela at [email protected]

Are you based in the North West, Mahikeng Local Municipality within the Ngaka Modiri Molema District?

The Programme, powered by BANKSETA, supports entrepreneurs with the skills, tools, and guidance to help launch and formalise their ventures.

Scan the QR Code or find the relevant link on our bio to apply.

For more information, please contact Thabile Semela at [email protected]

If you’re a woman entrepreneur ready to invest in your growth, this programme is for YOU! The Road to growth programme has been specifically developed for ambitious women entrepreneurs with growing businesses and supports you to build the knowledge, skills, confidence and networks needed to take your business to the next level.

Disclaimer: All in-person training sessions will take place in Gauteng/Western Cape (cohort depending)

For more info, please contact Thabile at [email protected]

Applications for the 2026 Road to Growth Programme are now open! Closing Date: 2 April 2026. Link in bio!

Continuing our 2025 graduate stories from the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women Road to Growth Programme, we are honoured to share the journey of Kefiloe Thalita Phage, founder of Phage Properties (Pty) Ltd.

Founded in 2017, Phage Properties began with room rentals and a deeply personal vision to build a lasting family legacy inspired by Kefiloe’s parents and their unwavering commitment to providing for their family. That vision continues to guide the business today, grounded in the belief that entrepreneurship can keep families connected across generations.

Through the programme, Kefiloe gained greater clarity on her business operations, identifying where processes needed strengthening and taking steps to bring her finances into better order. Road to Growth also played a key role in building her confidence and reinforcing the importance of systems in creating sustainable, well run businesses.

Since completing the programme, Kefiloe has continued to invest in her growth by pursuing a qualification in Body Corporate Management. She has also expanded her team, appointing a gardener and entering negotiations with a full time plumber to support proactive property maintenance and smoother operations.

Kefiloe expressed heartfelt appreciation to the programme partners, the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and Express, as well as to GIBS Entrepreneurship Development Academy, the trainers and project team for creating a space to learn, grow and build with purpose.

Her story reflects the heart of Road to Growth where confidence, systems and legacy come together to support women led businesses that are built to last.

Next in our 2025 graduate stories from the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women’s Road to Growth Programme, we are proud to feature Terine Lott Cupido, Founder and Managing Director of EmpowerLink Services.

With over 15 years of experience in Human Resources, Terine launched EmpowerLink Services to provide small and medium sized enterprises with practical, credible HR support on a flexible basis. Drawing from her background in the automotive sector, she set out to help growing businesses build strong, compliant HR foundations while developing people first leadership and high performing teams. Her journey is also deeply personal building flexibility as a mother and creating a lasting business legacy.

One of the most valuable outcomes of the programme was a completed business growth plan, now actively guiding EmpowerLink’s strategy. Terine has also implemented practical marketing tools to strengthen visibility and position the business for sustainable growth.

Beyond business outcomes, Terine highlighted the value of the Western Cape cohort community, where shared networks, opportunities and collaboration continue to open new doors.

She expressed her appreciation to the programme partners, the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women , DHL Express and the GIBS Entrepreneurship Development Academy, for investing in women led businesses and enabling impact beyond the bottom line.

Her story reflects the heart of Road to Growth focused strategy, confident leadership and meaningful growth.

Continuing our graduate stories from the 2025 cohort of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women’s Road to Growth Programme, we are proud to share the journey of Carmelita Shaw, founder of Wundalash.

Built from lived experience, resilience and a strong sense of purpose, Wundalash began as a self funded business and has grown steadily over seven years. In 2025, Carmelita reached a major milestone when the business achieved its accreditation in Beauty and Barbering, validating a vision she had long believed in .
Through the programme, Carmelita shifted how she views her business learning to see it as a system that requires structure, financial discipline and strategic thinking, not just passion. The experience strengthened her confidence in decision making and reinforced the importance of clarity and planning for sustainable growth .

Since completing the programme, she has become more intentional in how she plans, tracks performance and positions Wundalash, evolving it into a professional training academy with long term community impact. This has led to stronger systems, improved financial awareness and clearer alignment with her long term vision .

Carmelita expressed her gratitude to the programme partners, the Blair Foundation for Women and Express, for creating space for women led businesses to grow with dignity and direction .

Her story reflects the impact of Road to Growth where confidence, structure and purpose come together to build lasting businesses.

From our perspective at the GIBS Entrepreneurship Development Academy, feedback like this highlights the real value of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women’s Road to Growth Programme.

Mokgadi Ramokgopa, founder of Thee Culinary Hub, joined the 2025 cohort shortly after registering her business with CIPC in 2023. Through the programme, she gained clarity on the importance of a strong business vision and mission, as well as how to better balance personal life with the demands of entrepreneurship.

During the programme, Mokgadi implemented a sales forecast, enabling her to track business performance daily, weekly and monthly. While financial impact has not yet followed, she used the learnings to pause, reassess and position her business for growth. She has since secured operating premises and is actively sourcing funding for equipment and working capital.

Mokgadi expressed her appreciation to the programme partners, the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women Foundation and DHL Express, for empowering women entrepreneurs. She has also begun recommending the programme to other women entrepreneurs in her network.

Her journey reflects the impact of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women’s Road to Growth Programme building clarity, confidence and stronger foundations for future growth.