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By Shumirai Chimombe

As an entrepreneur, whether you are running a start-up or scaling your small business, it is vital to constantly seek the right strategies to keep your business afloat and thriving. 

The challenges that women entrepreneurs encounter along their business journeys are well known. They range from securing funding, growing their client base, to finding a supportive network and accessing good mentorship. 

An excellent strategy for you to stand out as an entrepreneur is to step into the spotlight with a strong business pitch. 

A business pitch is a brief and captivating 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 craft a pitch 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 usually 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.

To get your business idea to the right people, there are some tips to keep in mind:

Go out and 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. 

Tailor an authentic and persuasive narrative: 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. 

Improve 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. 

Empower yourself at the Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER series 

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The annual Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER series takes place in three different provinces in South Africa.

These one-day conferences aim to build communities and equip women entrepreneurs with the skills to build successful enterprises while creating access to networks for small business owners.

Participants will have the opportunity to listen to keynote talks from successful Top Women award-winners and entrepreneurs along with an interactive fast-track networking session followed by the Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER pitching den.

A winner will be announced in each province and all three winners will be entered into the annual Standard Bank Top Women Awards taking place on 2 December 2025 at the Sandton Convention Centre where the overall top winner will walk home with the trophy and a R50 000 cash prize.

Take our poll to let us know if you would like the EmpowHER conference to take place in your province in 2025, and let us help you open the doors to your success. 

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