Empowering Women in Gauteng’s Construction Industry: Unveiling Perceived Benefits and Relevance of an Entrepreneurial Development Programme

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Abstract

This study investigates the perceived benefits of entrepreneurial coaching for women in a construction accelerator programme in Gauteng, South Africa. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 women entrepreneurs, and thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data. The findings demonstrate that entrepreneurial coaching sessions positively impacted women entrepreneurs and their businesses by enhancing self-efficacy, building relationships, and fostering shifts in vision and entrepreneurial mindset. The programme outcomes for women entrepreneurs included improved technical and innovative building skills, enhanced proficiency in sales, finance, marketing, legal compliance, and overall business growth. The study suggests that programmes supporting women entrepreneurs should prioritise transferring specific skills, such as innovative business modelling, relationship building, visionary capacity development, resilience, and self-efficacy to facilitate business growth. Future research could explore additional areas for entrepreneurial skill development and further investigate the long-term effects of coaching programmes on women entrepreneurs in the construction industry and post-programme support for the participants.

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Author Biographies

Elona Ndlovu, Tshwane University of Technology

Elona is currently a PhD Candidate at WITS Business School, with a focus on Business Coaching and Entrepreneurship. She is a lead lecturer in the Masters in Management Business and Executive Coaching program at the Wits Business School and a sits in the  Research Portfolio Committee for Coaches and Mentors South Africa (COMENSA). She holds a Master’s degree in International Business Management from Liverpool University, and an Advanced Diploma in Life, Executive, and Business Coaching. Elona’s qualifications are paired with over 15 years of developing and supporting business executives, senior managers, and entrepreneurs across all business sectors. She currently lectures Advanced Research Methodology, Entrepreneurship and Coaching. 

Patrick Ebong Ebewo, Tshwane University of Technology

Dr Patrick Ebong Ebewo is a versatile enterprise and entrepreneurship development expert with many years of experience within the SADC region’s academic arena. He has over a decade of experience working closely with private and public enterprises to develop and moderate entrepreneurship initiatives focusing on social impact. Dr Ebewo holds a dual position at the Tshwane University of Technology – Director of: Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and Senior Lecturer/Head of Department: Management & Entrepreneurship). Dr Ebewo is a Professional Business Advisor (The South African Institute of Professional Accountants) and a Member of Coaches and Mentors of South Africa (COMENSA).

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Published

2023-12-31

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 2 (2023): December

Section

Articles

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