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Step into the spotlight with a compelling business pitch – 3 tips 

EmpowHER

By Shumirai Chimombe The challenges that women entrepreneurs encounter along their business journeys are all too familiar and well known. They range from securing funding, growing their client base, to finding a supportive network of fellow women entrepreneurs and mentors to encourage them and lift them up. It is also helpful to receive constructive feedback from successful business people who will ask the right questions about your business and your offering, helping you fine tune your ideas and grow as a business owner.  This is where creating and delivering a compelling business pitch comes in.  A business pitch is a brief presentation that an entrepreneur gives to an audience of potential stakeholders who may take an interest in your business. These can include potential funders, investors,  partners, or clients. Also known as an ‘elevator pitch’, it requires you to develop a presentation that is concise and goes straight to the point, that captivates your audience, and successfully outlines and communicates the key elements of your business idea, product or service. Pitching dens have risen in popularity at networking events such as conferences and they have become one of the best opportunities for start-ups and small businesses to state their case to funders to support their ideas. They are also a great platform to promote your product or service to a wider audience.  To get your business idea to the right people, there are some tips to keep in mind: Network, network: The thought of putting yourself on the spot and speaking to a roomful of influential people can be very daunting. Especially if you are not used to public speaking, and it’s easier to stay out of the limelight. So it’s important to understand that networking is an essential part of being a businesswoman. It opens up opportunities for you to meet and learn from like-minded entrepreneurs, while creating new and potentially lucrative connections. Finding the courage to showcase yourself and your idea could turn out to be one of the most valuable undertakings you can do for your business.  Craft a compelling and authentic story: The bottom line is that you are selling a product, service or solution that addresses a problem that you have identified in the market.  The pitch needs to outline the key elements of your idea with the aim of getting buy-in from potential funders, partners or clients. It needs to succinctly cover what your company does and what differentiates you. It is your opportunity to impress by giving you the chance to make a positive and lasting impression on your audience , increasing your chances of securing interest and support.  Elevate your communication skills: A well-prepared business pitch enables you to effectively communicate your value proposition. Therefore it is important to work on your verbal presentation and refine it as much as possible. Boost your confidence by practising with your friends and colleagues to give feedback on your delivery. It is also essential to be very well prepared to be able to give credible answers to questions from your audience. The more professional and confident the pitch, the more likely it will receive a positive response.  The EmpowHER Cape Town Pitching Den – one last chance to be seen Applications for the 2026 Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Cape Town Pitching Den close on Friday 12 June – and this is your final chance to put your business forward. The EmpowHER Pitching Den gives women entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their businesses live in front of industry leaders, decision-makers, and a powerful network of business professionals. Selected winners from each regional event (Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg) will receive R50,000 and advance to the national Standard Women Conference, taking place on 8–9 September 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre. They will then proceed to attend the 23rd annual Standard Bank Top Women Awards in Johannesburg on 3 December 2026, where one entrepreneur will be crowned overall winner and receive the R100,000 cash prize. Whether you’re building, scaling, or ready to take your business to the next level, this is your opportunity to step into the spotlight and be seen. Words from last year’s Cape Town winner, Tina Long, Founder of Home Bao  I entered the pitching den because I wanted to share the Home Bao journey.  From rolling dumplings in my garage to building a proudly South African brand that celebrates Asian heritage. Competitions like this give entrepreneurs a platform to be heard, to learn, and to connect with people who believe in bold ideas. It was such a humbling experience being exposed to so many amazing entrepreneurs and hearing truly creative business ideas. Often, as entrepreneurs, we get so caught up in our own worlds that we forget what else is out there. The pitching den gave me the chance to make connections, and it was reassuring to see that other female entrepreneurs face the same struggles I do. It can be quite lonely at times, and this experience reminded me that I’m not alone on this journey. Honestly I feel proud and grateful for winning the pitching den.  Proud of how far Home Bao has come, and grateful for the support from my team, my family, and our customers. Winning this round feels like recognition that Home Bao is more than making delicious dumplings – they can carry culture, community, and impact. Apply now to enter the pitching den. Entries close on 12 June here. To experience the conference as a delegate and participate in the conversations, book your ticket here.

Why new leaders often produce old outcomes

Leaders

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