Despite nearly 20 years of political transformation, female-owned businesses in South Africa are few and far between. According to entrepreneur Siphokazi Mtimkulu, small businesses are capable of leading the way for significant change in what is still considered a male-dominated environment.

Mtimkulu, who co-founded Cassidy Solutions with husband Bonginkosi in 2003, has successfully established her business within both the electrical and security industries and is hoping to inspire other women.

“Being a woman in business brings both challenges and advantages,” says Mtimkulu. “You need to show your value before you’re taken seriously. But on the other hand, I feel I approach issues from a different perspective and offer alternative solutions.”

Despite the social and political discourse around equal opportunities in South Africa, she has had to persevere without noticeable support for female entrepreneurs. “I think there is a need for adequate support structures for female-owned businesses in South Africa. In that respect we have been really fortunate.”

Cassidy Solutions did find backing through a dynamic Enterprise Development (ED) programme: Two years ago the company was approached by the Boogertman and Partners Architects ED programme, and has since taken significant strides in terms of market share and an expanding client base.

The programme aims to help entrepreneurs who are thrown into challenging environments without access to mentors or professional guidance, and provided a platform from which Cassidy could grow its presence: “Suddenly we went from being outsiders to having access to a network of experience and knowledge,” says Mtimkulu.

“When we started Cassidy we had the basic structure and this allowed us to gain some momentum fitting electrical systems and providing security systems on a small scale. What we were lacking was the contacts to really expand our footprint and land bigger contracts.”

With such a focus on Black Economic Empowerment in local business, Mtimkulu stresses the need to encourage ED support for other disempowered groups. “We’re talking about exposure to the broader market and access to a vital supply network. That can’t be taken for granted.”

While there is a case to be made for providing more focus on businesses such as Cassidy, ED remains an endeavour that will have an impact on business on a national level. Stimulating growth in the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector has a positive influence on job creation and the economy as a whole.

While the benefits of having access to professional advisors and a network of contacts in which to operate has played a vital role, Mtimkulu is adamant that one needs core business values to begin with if one is to be successful: “Our focus is on accountability and reliability. With both clients and suppliers, you have to have a solid understanding of what you can offer.

“You need to see these strengths in yourself to build up trust with others, whatever your background or profile” she says.