Welcome to Women Entrepreneurs Trust
Beyond Funding
The story of the Women in Sport Trust and the Women Entrepreneurs Trust began in 2012, following a business partnership with Aeon Global. The two trusts were founded by Dr Nomonde Mabuya Moloele, together with the late Dr Namane Magau and the late Ms Ellen Tshabalala, with a shared vision of creating opportunities for women to realise their potential. Inspired in part by AON Global’s sponsorship of Manchester United Football Club, the founders recognised both sport and education as powerful pathways to empowerment, opportunity and long term impact.
Two Complementary Trusts. One Shared Mission.
Women in Sport Trust
Supporting talented women to pursue education and sporting excellence without financial barriers.
Women Entrepreneurs Trust
Helping women strengthen their enterprises through support, readiness, sustainability and growth.
Rooted in Purpose
Founded to identify potential, remove barriers and open pathways for women to thrive in meaningful and sustainable ways.
Driven by Development
Focused on real progress through education, coaching, governance support, compliance readiness and long term opportunity.
Powered by Impact
Investing in individuals, families and communities by supporting women whose success creates wider social value.
Looking Ahead
Expanding through strategic partnerships, social impact initiatives and a stronger future for the next generation.
Empowering Women Through Sport
The Women in Sport Trust was established to support high performance female athletes who often face financial barriers to both their education and sporting development. The Trust began its work at the University of Johannesburg, where it has supported students for approximately a decade.
Beneficiaries have included students in biokinetics, sport science, sport psychology and sport management, with support extending to academic needs, accommodation, books and coaching. The Trust has since expanded its reach to other institutions and disciplines, recognising that athletes do not necessarily have to study sport related qualifications.
Its beneficiaries have represented sporting codes including rugby, netball, soccer and swimming. Many have gone on to compete at major events such as the Commonwealth Games and African Games. The philosophy remains clear: talented women should never have to choose between education and sporting excellence because of financial circumstances.
Creating Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs
The Women Entrepreneurs Trust was established to support women who have demonstrated entrepreneurial potential but struggle to access traditional finance. Many have operated their businesses for two or more years and have a proven trading history, yet remain unable to secure bank funding because of challenges relating to financial records, governance or statutory compliance.
The Trust therefore provides far more than capital. Through professional support, beneficiaries are assisted in strengthening their accounting, governance and compliance structures, helping them become more sustainable and ultimately more investment ready and bank ready.
Over the years, the Trust has supported entrepreneurs and organisations working in diverse areas, including television and community development, STEM education, jewellery design and youth development. One of its early beneficiaries, Pastor Zanele Khoza, received support to develop a television initiative in Alexandra focused on raising awareness about substance abuse among young people.
A Growing Focus on Social Impact
The next chapter for both trusts is increasingly centred on social impact. The founders believe that developing successful entrepreneurs must go hand in hand with addressing the challenges facing communities.
The Trusts are therefore looking to support social impact entrepreneurs working to address issues such as gender based violence, femicide, youth development and community wellbeing.
They are also exploring opportunities to support ESG and green champions, particularly those working in renewable energy, sustainability and carbon footprint reduction, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Healthpreneurs Program with Sigmaacademy
One of the Trusts’ emerging initiatives focuses on addressing unemployment among qualified healthcare professionals. The Healthpreneurs Program with Sigmaacademy includes unemployed biokineticists previously funded by the Trust, medical scientists, dentists, doctors and other healthcare workers.
Through the programme, participants are supported to develop as healthcare entrepreneurs through training in entrepreneurship, AI and digital technologies, while receiving guidance to establish the necessary regulatory and business structures.
This support includes assistance with CIPC and VAT registration, SARS and HPCSA compliance, feasibility studies, recruitment and business planning.
The goal is to prepare qualifying participants to access commercial funding and establish or scale sustainable healthcare businesses appropriate to their professional fields.
Looking Ahead
The future of the Women in Sport Trust and Women Entrepreneurs Trust is built around collaboration, partnerships and greater social impact. By working with universities, professional service providers, implementing partners, commercial banks and other stakeholders, the Trusts aim to expand their reach and create sustainable opportunities for more South Africans. More than a decade after their establishment, the founding vision remains unchanged: to identify potential, remove barriers and create opportunities for women and communities to thrive. From supporting female athletes and entrepreneurs to developing social impact businesses and healthcare enterprises, the Trusts continue to demonstrate that meaningful investment is not simply about providing funding. It is about building people, strengthening communities and creating lasting impact.
A vision rooted in opportunity
The Women Entrepreneurs Trust was born from a clear purpose: to help black women transform bold ideas into resilient businesses, meaningful employment and lasting economic participation.
When potential meets practical support, possibility becomes progress.
Across South Africa, talented women have always had the vision, discipline and courage to build. Too often, access to funding, networks and growth opportunities has stood between a powerful idea and a sustainable enterprise.
The Trust was established to help close that gap. Its story is one of intentional support for black female entrepreneurs, including women with disabilities, at the moments when meaningful backing can change the trajectory of a business.
“Where bold ideas become thriving businesses, and success knows no limits.
Recognising women’s enterprise
Seeing talent not as untapped potential, but as an economic force ready to grow.
Turning intention into access
Creating a structured platform through which strategic support can reach women-owned businesses.
Backing sustainable growth
Supporting start-ups, expansion and job creation so promising ventures can build lasting value.
Building beyond one business
Strengthening families, communities and a more inclusive South African economy through women’s success.
About
What We Do
The Women Entrepreneurship Trust is dedicated to advancing the economic empowerment of black female entrepreneurs in South Africa—whether abled or disabled—through strategic investments and impactful initiatives. By providing funding for start-ups, expansions, and job creation, the Trust accelerates growth and ensures black women-owned businesses have the resources to thrive.
We believe in fostering broad-based economic participation, creating opportunities for historically disadvantaged women, and championing their success. Through leadership development, financial support, and a commitment to innovation, the Trust paves the way for sustainable business growth and lasting impact.