#BridgingtheGenderGaps
Unlocking the Power of Women in the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
South African women account for 35% of the unemployed population.
Bridging Gender Equality through Research
#Btgg (Bridging the Gender Gaps) is dedicated to tackling the high rates of unemployment among young women in South Africa by empowering those from marginalized township and rural communities who have already started micro-businesses or shown a clear interest in entrepreneurship. The program provides holistic support through skills-building workshops, access to mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, exposure to relevant networks, seed funding opportunities, and ongoing guidance to help participants grow their ventures sustainably.
By centering social entrepreneurship as a key driver for inclusive development, #Btgg equips young women to not only enhance their own economic agency but also to become catalysts for positive change in their communities. The program places strong emphasis on community-based impact, encouraging participants to build businesses that respond to local challenges, whether social, environmental, or economic, while promoting gender equity and long-term resilience.
Ultimately, #Btgg envisions a generation of confident, capable young women leaders who are actively reshaping their futures and contributing to the broader transformation of South Africa’s social and economic landscape.
Incubation Process
Bridging the Gender Gaps is a 3-PHASE innovation program designed to enable young women to identify pressing challenges within their communities, develop innovative solutions, and transform these ideas into viable business opportunities.
Participants receive one-on-one coaching and mentoring tailored to their entrepreneurial journey.
Through hands-on workshops, participants are guided in consolidating and shaping their social enterprise projects.
Participants join a supportive peer-to-peer network, fostering collaboration, shared learning, and a sense of sisterhood.
PHASE ONE
Idea to Impact
Participants identify a pressing social or environmental challenge within their community and begin to explore innovative, purpose-driven solutions rooted in lived experience.
PHASE TWO
Learning & Skills Development
Participants refine their ideas into viable social innovation projects. This phase focuses on strengthening their value proposition, developing a sustainable business model, and gaining foundational knowledge in social entrepreneurship. They are also introduced to opportunities for grant funding and financial support.
PHASE THREE
Implementation & Growth
Participants bring their projects to life by piloting them within their communities. They gain hands-on experience in project implementation, community engagement, and basic financial management.
