Visa and Absa have opened applications for the 2025 edition of the She’s Next program, which will provide South African women entrepreneurs with the opportunity to receive a portion of the over R1 million ($55,500 – $56,000, approximately) in funding.
This initiative aims to empower female-led businesses with grants, mentorship, and tailored training to help them scale and thrive in a competitive market.
Funding and support for women entrepreneurs
The She’s Next programme, announced on June 17, 2025, invites women over 18 who are legal residents of South Africa and own at least 51 per cent of their business to apply.
Eligible businesses must have been operating for over a year and have annual revenues between R2 million and R25 million.
Winners can receive up to R450,000, with additional prizes for second, third, and social impact categories.
Beyond funding, participants access exclusive mentorship and business training designed to enhance their growth potential.
Lineshree Moodley, Country Head at Visa South Africa, emphasises the programme’s goal: “Visa is committed to helping women develop and excel in business. Through She’s Next, we aim to encourage and enable even more participation of women in driving the economy, in line with our goal to digitally enable as many small businesses around the world as possible, while also creating a supportive environment in which they can grow and thrive”.
Application details and Impact
Applications are open until July 30, 2025, and women entrepreneurs from all sectors are encouraged to apply through the official Visa website.
The programme also includes capacity-building sessions and networking opportunities, which are crucial for overcoming barriers women often face in business, such as limited access to finance and fewer growth opportunities than men.
Last year’s winner, Mahlatse Mamaila, founder of InoBiodiesel, exemplifies the programme’s transformative effect. She used her R400,000 (approximately $22,200 USD) grant to expand her green energy venture.
The She’s Next initiative champions the growth and resilience of female entrepreneurs across South Africa.
This year’s programme promises to build on this momentum, fostering an inclusive environment where women-led startups can innovate and scale with the support of Visa and Absa’s expertise and resources
Interested entrepreneurs can apply for the She’s Next programme here