ARE YOU OUR WOMAN OF THE FUTURE?

Meet the judges

WE were amazed at how high our finalists and winners set the bar last year! In fact, all the entrants were impressive – not just because of their ability to turn a bright idea into a sustainable business, but because of their utter determination and hard work.

We believe in women doing business; the South African economy depends on us! And, of course, most of us dream of working for ourselves: who wouldn’t prefer to be totally in control of their time, pace and creativity?! So we’re super-excited about receiving entries for the 2017 FAIRLADY Women of the Future Awards in partnership with Santam, in which two female entrepreneurs will win loads of amazing prizes to help them take their businesses even further.

Through an independent research survey conducted with over 600 small business owners in South Africa, Santam found that the first 1000 days in business are statistically the hardest. If you’re still in business at day 1000, you’re likely to succeed, and thrive, long-term. For the findings, and to discover what makes a successful entrepreneur, visit their 1000 Days hub on www.santam.co.za, a platform where entrepreneurs with start-up businesses share their journeys and give advice to those starting out. Topics range from what it takes to survive the critical first 1000 days to user-friendly infographics and videos. And now, we’d love you to enter the most exciting and prestigious competition of the year!

SO WHAT DOES IT TAKE? THERE ARE TWO CATEGORIES:

the FAIRLADY Woman of the Future title goes to an entrepreneur whose business has survived the first 1000 days and who is well on her way to creating an empire. The FAIRLADY Rising Star goes to an entrepreneur between 16 and 30 years old who is still within her first 1000 days, but whose business our judges believe will survive and flourish way beyond them.