Every thriving business begins with an idea-but for many South African entrepreneurs, the real challenge lies in turning that idea into a fully funded, scalable enterprise. The EmpowaEntrepreneurs Funding Summit 2025, taking place from 30-31 May at The Forum, Bryanston, is here to bridge that critical gap.
This dynamic two-day summit will convene 1,000 early-growth and expansion-phase entrepreneurs with a powerful lineup of funders, investors, and financial experts. More than an event, it is a catalytic platform designed to drive funding access, enable deal flow, and unlock opportunities for sustainable growth.
“For entrepreneurs to truly become the backbone of South Africa’s economy, they need an environment that supports and empowers them. Yet, access to funding continues to be a major hurdle,” says Sechaba Motsieloa, Managing Executive at EmpowaWorx. “This summit goes beyond networking-it’s a deal-making arena where real entrepreneurs meet real opportunities.”
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From Concept to Capital: Building Bridges That Matter
The summit will feature over 100 high-level funders and ecosystem leaders, including venture capital firms, angel investors, development finance institutions (DFIs), enterprise and supplier development (ESD) funds, women-focused funding entities, impact investors, and government grant providers.
Key Summit Features:
• Strategic sector-based funding dialogues
• One-on-one investor and funder engagement
• Legal and compliance clinics
• Funding readiness workshops
• The EmpowaEntrepreneurs Pitching Festival with live capital opportunities
A 360° Approach: Mentored. Skilled. Funded.
Built around Empowa’s transformative three-tiered framework, the summit ensures that every entrepreneur walks away with value:
•MENTORED: Emotional intelligence, strategic leadership, and purpose-driven business support-including themes such as Pan-Africanism, global scale, mental wellness, and legacy.
•SKILLED & NETWORKED: Practical guidance on navigating funding systems, aligning with B-BBEE and ESD frameworks, and unlocking institutional finance.
•FUNDED: Direct access to a wide range of funding pathways from equity and grants to loans, DFI partnerships, and impact-driven capital.
Featured Topics:
•ESD Funding: Unlocking supplier development as a catalyst for growth
•DFIs & the Development Agenda: Driving inclusive funding
•Equity Partnerships: Sharing the pie without losing the vision
•Winning Pitches: Strategies to captivate and convince investors
•Grant Funding: Turning bold ideas into bankable impact
Closing the Gap, Creating the Future
With less than 10% of South African entrepreneurs accessing formal funding, the EmpowaEntrepreneurs Funding Summit 2025 aims to rewrite the narrative-one empowered founder at a time.
“Our goal is simple,” adds Motsieloa. “Every entrepreneur who walks into this summit should walk out with something transformative-whether it’s funding, a strategic connection, or an actionable breakthrough.”
As South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem accelerates, this summit marks a defining moment for those ready to scale, connect, and lead.
