How UVU Accelerate is Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in South Africa

South Africa’s startup scene, while vibrant, still grapples with a persistent challenge: a significant gender gap. Recent data paints a worrying picture, with reports indicating that women are exiting businesses at higher rates than they’re starting them, and established businesses are disproportionately owned by men. This isn’t just a social issue; it’s a missed economic opportunity. But amidst this challenge, a powerful solution is emerging: tech-driven empowerment.

UVU Accelerate isn’t just another incubator throwing around terms like “empowerment.” They’re taking a concrete, tech-focused approach to level the playing field for women entrepreneurs. With a 25-year track record through UVU Africa, UVU Accelerate is laser-focused on using digital tools to drive real change. Their Women in Business program has already supported over 2,000 women, proving that targeted tech enablement can be a game-changer.

“What started as a tech enablement initiative has evolved into a thriving ecosystem of highly skilled, resilient, and determined female entrepreneurs,” says Lara Rosmarin, Head of Entrepreneur Development at UVU Accelerate. Rosmarin highlights a key insight relevant to any startup founder: the power of community. “These women are not just building businesses; they support each other’s growth. Unlike traditional competitive dynamics, with women, we see a strong culture of collaboration and mutual support.” This emphasis on collaborative ecosystems is a crucial takeaway for any entrepreneur looking to scale.

UVU Accelerate’s program isn’t just about handing out laptops. It’s about providing tailored support that addresses the specific challenges women face. This includes equipping them with the right digital tools to optimize operations, access new markets, and compete head-on in the modern economy. In essence, it’s about building a tech-savvy foundation for sustainable growth.

The results speak for themselves. Take Dr. Danika, founder of Dr Danika Aesthetics & Wellness. Before the program, she was running her business from home. UVU Accelerate’s support gave her the confidence and know-how to negotiate a game-changing partnership with Life Day Spa Group, leading to the creation of Life Aesthetics in Cape Town. This wasn’t just about expansion; it was about scaling. Dr. Danika gained access to a larger space, cutting-edge technology, a bigger team, and a significantly larger customer base.

“I was also able to use the Life Day Spa database of thousands of clients, which dramatically increased revenue, and I may be able to expand to different locations,” Dr. Danika explains. Her story is a powerful reminder that tech enablement, combined with business acumen, can unlock exponential growth. “I would never have had the confidence to do this without the knowledge I gained from the programme. I had zero business knowledge when I started. Doctors are notoriously bad at business – we’re taught to help people but not how to run a practice/business.”

However, UVU Accelerate faces a classic startup challenge: scaling to meet demand. With a waiting list of over 2,000 women, funding constraints are a major hurdle. This presents an opportunity for investors and other stakeholders to get involved and fuel the growth of a program that’s delivering tangible results.

Rosmarin’s advice offers valuable insights for any startup founder: “They surround themselves with the right people—mentors, financial advisors, and coaches—who help them make informed decisions. Processing feedback effectively is a game-changer in shifting outcomes to their advantage.” She also emphasizes the importance of resilience and embracing the chaotic nature of entrepreneurship: “Entrepreneurship can be a tough and lonely journey. We focus on building skills parallel to creating a strong support system so female entrepreneurs never feel isolated,” and advises, “Become comfortable with discomfort. A balanced entrepreneur is an oxymoron. You will need to prioritise different aspects of your life at different times. Embrace the unbalanced journey.”

UVU Accelerate’s work demonstrates that empowering women entrepreneurs isn’t just a social imperative; it’s a smart business strategy. By focusing on tech enablement and ecosystem building, they’re unlocking a powerful engine for economic growth in South Africa.