WOMEN IN BUSINESS INITIATIVE OPENS DOORS

August 2024.

Bridgette Jacobs, a small business owner from Barkly West, Northern Cape, and one of many women benefiting from the Young Women in Business initiative, has proudly opened the doors to her new and fully equipped beauty spa. Funded by Matla A Bokone, this initiative is designed to assist young women entrepreneurs from within the Sol Plaatje and Dikgatlong local municipalities by providing new business compliance start-up kits and essential business development support.

Having received grant funding from this programme, Bridgette has grown her business, Bridgette’s House of Glam, and also expanded her offerings.

“We award this type of grant funding to our Young Women in Business beneficiaries after they meet the criteria of maintaining business compliance and demonstrating operational and profitability efforts. Additionally, they undergo a Business Assessment and Diagnostic process, which aims to develop an understanding of the current state of the SMMEs, analyse available resources, identify growth opportunities, and leverage competitive advantages,” explained Lesego Mosiane, Community Liaison Officer at Matla A Bokone Solar.

The grant provided Bridgette with essential capital goods, including the construction of a spa structure (complete with electrification and plumbing), a spa bed, towels, gowns, beauty products, a fan, nail equipment, a patio set, and a mini fridge, among other items. This has allowed Bridgette to expand her range of services, which now include gel and acrylic nail installations, make-up, facials, photoshoots and full body massages.

She expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am extremely thankful that Matla A Bokone Solar has supported my journey since day one. From registering a business for me, opening a business bank account, assisting with government Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration, obtaining a BBBEE Certificate, helping with my initial Tax Compliance certificate, and finally, funding my fully equipped beauty spa.”

Initially, Bridgette faced significant challenges with space, equipment, and the overall aesthetics of her small beauty spa. However, with the new and improved setup, her business has seen a significant transformation.

“It is now easier to attract clients as I can showcase my beautiful spa on social media. I am also generating additional income by utilising the spa’s artificial backdrop as a photoshoot space,” Bridgette added.

Looking forward, Bridgette plans to expand her expertise in the beauty industry by attending cosmetology school to specialise in skin care and advanced massage therapy.