Latest news with #JenineZachar

SowetanLIVE
2 days ago
- Business
- SowetanLIVE
Standard Bank puts big money behind female entrepreneurs and leaders
'Supporting women entrepreneurs represents more than corporate social responsibility — it's a strategic investment in SA's economic future. Female entrepreneurs are driving innovation, creating jobs, and building inclusive businesses that strengthen our communities. 'Through our partnership with the South African Future Trust Awards, we're committed to providing the recognition and resources these remarkable leaders deserve,' says Jenine Zachar, executive head, value propositions and client experience at Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking. The Women in Business Award winner will receive a R500,000 grand prize to accelerate business growth and impact. The prize includes: A R250,000 cash injection for immediate business development; A R250,000 support package featuring mentorship from seasoned industry leaders; Cutting-edge hardware and essential business resources; and Strategic guidance to scale operations and accelerate her business trajectory. This holistic approach ensures winners receive both the financial resources and expert guidance necessary to take their businesses to the next level. 'The Women in Business Award reflects our understanding that successful entrepreneurship requires more than capital — it demands access to networks, mentorship, and strategic support,' says Nico Jacobs, South African Future Trust CEO. 'As a bank that serves women-owned businesses, we understand the unique challenges women entrepreneurs face in accessing markets and scaling their operations. Our comprehensive business and commercial banking solutions are designed to turn possibility into opportunity — whether that's through funding, advisory services, or connecting businesses to trade opportunities across Africa and internationally. 'This award represents our commitment to ensuring women entrepreneurs have the support they need at every stage of their journey,' says Zachar. Entrepreneurs can apply for all South African Future Trust Awards categories until July 31 2025. Female business leaders are encouraged to showcase their achievements, impact, and vision through the application process. Applications and detailed category information are available at the SA Future Trust Awards website. Winners will be announced at the South African Future Trust Summit, taking place on November 5 and 6 2025 at the Sandton Convention Centre. This article was sponsored by Standard Bank.

SowetanLIVE
25-06-2025
- Business
- SowetanLIVE
Standard Bank unlocks millions in free radio airtime for entrepreneurs
In real terms, the value of this publicity is significant, adding up to about R300,000 worth of radio exposure for each business featured. Considering that a single 30-second advert on prime-time radio can cost thousands of rand, such opportunities are well beyond the reach of many small business owners. This initiative reflects Standard Bank's ongoing effort to find relevant and meaningful ways of backing entrepreneurs with impact, visibility and platforms they typically would not be able to access on their own. 'This regional radio campaign is not just about airtime, it is about unlocking access,' says Jenine Zachar, head of Value Propositions and Client Experience at Business and Commercial Banking SA, Standard Bank Group. 'For a small business, the right kind of publicity can be catalytic. It opens doors to new markets, builds credibility, and attracts customers they might not otherwise reach. When combined with the strength of our expert relationship managers, deep sector insights, and tailored solutions that respond to each business's unique context, this visibility becomes a powerful growth enabler. 'At Business and Commercial Banking, our greatest value lies in how we journey with a business, not just at startup phase, but as it scales and transitions into new levels of complexity, offering solutions that evolve in line with each stage of its growth. This campaign is a natural extension of that promise, to go beyond banking, and be a trusted partner for growth.' Through this regional radio campaign, Standard Bank is unlocking millions of rand worth of radio airtime for small businesses, positioning this initiative as a powerful SME growth enabler and catalyst for visibility in the market. In addition to the financial and publicity benefits, winners also gain access to the suite of services and tools available via Standard Bank's MyMoBiz business account, designed to simplify and streamline finances and support business growth. While the prizes are bigger for Standard Bank business account holders, there are winners regardless of whether participants hold existing Standard Bank business accounts, underscoring the bank's belief in backing all potential. By including a wide range of radio stations and regions, the campaign reflects the vibrant diversity and ambition of SA's entrepreneurial sector. The initiative complements Standard Bank's broader commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship, offering support at every stage of the business journey. As the campaign gains momentum across the airwaves and the entrepreneurial ecosystem, one thing is clear: Standard Bank is not just supporting small businesses, it is amplifying their stories, driving impact, and helping them build for lasting success. Listen out for the Standard Bank MyMoBiz and SimplyBLU radio campaign Rolling out across a number of regional radio stations across SA, this innovative campaign kicked off in March and is running until June. Participating radio stations include: Western Cape: KFM – March Heart FM – March, April Cape Talk – March Gauteng: 947 – April, May 702 – May Power FM – May, June Kaya FM – May, June KwaZulu-Natal: ECR – May, June Gagasi FM – May This article was sponsored by Standard Bank.