About SME Entrepreneur - Women in Business Summit & Awards 2026
The SME Entrepreneur Women in Business Summit & Awards 2026 (SMEWIB 2026) is South Africa's premier platform dedicated to empowering, connecting, and celebrating women entrepreneurs, business leaders, executives, innovators, and women-owned SMEs that are driving inclusive economic growth. Taking place on 27 August 2026 at Divine Sunset Venue, Johannesburg, the event will bring together more than 500 delegates, including entrepreneurs, corporate executives, investors, policymakers, development finance institutions, enterprise and supplier development professionals, and business support organisations. Hosted by SME Entrepreneur Magazine and powered by the SME Entrepreneur Club, the summit is designed to create meaningful opportunities for collaboration, investment, knowledge sharing, and business growth.
Under the theme, "Scaling with Strategy: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs to Build Resilient and Sustainable Enterprises," SMEWIB 2026 will feature keynote presentations, executive panel discussions, masterclasses, funding and procurement dialogues, business matchmaking, exhibitions, and high-impact networking sessions. The programme will focus on addressing the key challenges and opportunities facing women-led businesses, including access to finance, markets, innovation, digital transformation, leadership development, export readiness, and sustainable enterprise growth. By bringing together leaders from the public and private sectors, the summit aims to strengthen the ecosystem that supports women entrepreneurs and accelerate the growth of women-owned SMEs across South Africa and the continent.
The summit will conclude with the prestigious SME Entrepreneur Women in Business Awards 2026, recognising outstanding women entrepreneurs, executives, organisations, and ecosystem partners whose leadership, innovation, resilience, and social impact are transforming industries and creating economic opportunities. More than an awards ceremony, SMEWIB 2026 serves as a national platform for celebrating excellence, fostering strategic partnerships, increasing the visibility of women-led businesses, and advancing inclusive economic development. The event reinforces the vital role of women entrepreneurs in driving innovation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth while inspiring the next generation of business leaders across Africa.
SMEWIB 2026 at a Glance
Date: 27 August 2026
Venue: Divine Sunset Venue, Johannesburg
Expected Attendance: 500+ delegates
Audience: Women entrepreneurs, SMEs, executives, investors, corporates, government leaders, development partners, financial institutions, procurement specialists, incubators, accelerators, and business support organisations.
Hosted by: SME Entrepreneur Magazine
Powered by: SME Entrepreneur Club
Official Theme: Scaling with Strategy: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs to Build Resilient and Sustainable Enterprises.
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