Small business owners are prepared for many things, but the COVID‑19 pandemic is not only leaving us uncertain about how to cope in these strange times, but has also resulted in an unprecedented shift in the way that we do business. Entrepreneurs may be wondering how to stay relevant to their customers and how to prepare for a post‑crisis world that might look very different to what we are used to. Having to pivot as an entrepreneur could be stressful, but it could also be a time of innovation and growth.

This year marks the eight rendition of the impactful annual Enterprising Women Programme, offered by the NWU’s bhive Enterprise Development Centre (bhive EDC), and despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, the programme aims to continue to empower women across the North-West University’s geographical footprint, with its revised approach.

The new delivery model, which incorporates a strong digitised component, was launched in June 2020 to support female small business owners and aspirant entrepreneurs who need support in navigating the current challenging economic conditions. Although the revised model came with some challenges which required innovative thinking – such as variable Internet access and levels of technology sophistication amongst participants - it is progressing very well and is set to be completed by early‑November 2020.

Winston Churchill said that “a good crisis should never be wasted” and although the Covid‑19 pandemic presented many changes and challenges, it certainly fast-tracked the move from a purely face-to-face to a digitised model, with initial indications pointing towards a bright new future for the Enterprising Women Programme and its female entrepreneurs!