“With the advent of the so-called Connection Economy, women, with their affinity for creating relationships have an opportunity to use what comes naturally to them to form the connections that will help them get ahead in business,” says Colleen Larsen, founder and CEO of Women in Finance.

“What we’re doing is we’re providing an opportunity for learning, networking and empowerment to take place in a non-threatening environment, which is why an increasing number of men are attending our meetings.”

One step better than the traditional, male-orientated approach of business theory followed by a couple of beers during which the real deal-making takes place, Women in Finance gives its members theoretical knowledge, as well as the practical skills they need, and then introduces them to actual business opportunities.

A real communityWith a background in financial services and several years of involvement in various women empowerment structures, the idea for Women in Finance was birthed by Colleen’s realisation that theory driven workshops alone were limited in the amount of good they could do for entrepreneurs.

“Amongst many business women we found that there was an incredible need for learning practical business skills and connecting people in a way that would bear real fruit,” she says. “And that’s why 15 like-minded women joined forces with the vision to uplift women, particularly in terms of financial services, given the fact that so many businesses fail due to a lack of financial literacy and access to finance.”

The non-profit, national organisation aims to promote women within the business world and assist in their empowerment in the broader market with the focus on understanding exactly what their members are going through and helping them at their point of need.

No matter what position a person, whether female or male, holds in the corporate world, or whether one is an entrepreneur, Women in Finance welcomes all in an effort to support and uplift organisations through a variety of interventions.

Services - WorkshopsWomen in Finance emphasises the practical empowerment of its members in the workshops it organises, pairing both learning and practical opportunities.

According to Colleen “If the theme is franchising, an expert on the subject will present, but then we’ll also get someone to talk about what types of franchises have good potential at the moment, pointing women in the direction of businesses and ideas with real potential.”

Mentoring and LinkagesHaving identified a need by larger corporations to find SMMEs to whom they can impart skills, Women in Finance subsequently founded United Business Women of South Africa.  An umbrella body of 17 organisations focused on women in business, and member of Business Unity South Africa, the organisation exists to give entrepreneurs a voice and help link larger companies with smaller ones.

“Business linkages are actively pursued,” says chairman Colleen.

Mentoring“Our approach to mentoring is to identify a common need amongst members and then host a session that addresses this need,” says Colleen. “Also, we’re happy to help match mentors with mentees, in addition to the mentoring tool we’ve created on the internet.”

The online mentoring club on the Internet website, My Genius, allows members to pose questions and receive responses from any number of mentors. “What’s great about this tool is that you can get immediate advice rather than having to wait weeks for the next appointment with your mentor. Timing is very important in a small business and the mentoring club caters perfectly to this need.”

EventsAn extremely popular networking tool hosted by Women in Finance is their Hot Tables events. How it works is experts on various topics host tables and those attending get to choose three tables to visit during an evening.

“This is a really effective way of learning and networking, prompting wonderful reports from women who’re nervous about interacting in this way who tell us how comfortable they feel attending our events,” says Colleen.

What makes us different is our inclusive culture and the fact that our members form real relationships that are of great benefit to all concerned.”

“Other women’s organisations have tried to tap into the SMME market, but few have really got the passion, commitment and agility it takes to anticipate and serve the needs of this growing market.”

A great example of Women in Finance’s innovative approach to supporting and growing SMMEs is its upcoming ‘Showcase Your Business’ event (2-6 December, Sandton Convention Centre).

Instead of just another ordinary exhibition event, Showcase Your Business is completely practical in its approach, with attendees demonstrating their businesses in as far as is possible.

“For example, we’ve got a women-owned and run security company handling event security, businesses with expertise in administration doing the registration, those in catering contributing their skills, and so on,” says Colleen.

“We’ve got over a number of projects already involved and there’s huge excitement as businesses realise the fantastic opportunity the event presents for them to put their best foot forward."

Contact Details:For more information on Showcase Your Business or attending Women in Finance events, please callColleen LarsenTel (011) 467-1300Fax (011) 467-1669e-mail : colleen@showcaseyourbusiness.co.za or colleen@womeninfinance.co.za.