This year, after being inundated with very high calibre submissions for EmpowHER, followed by a rigorous judging process, the EmpowHER 2024 winners have been announced giving three female-founded businesses a boost with money-can’t-buy opportunities.
Megan King said, “I am over the moon to have won EmpowHER. It is the next step the business needs and means we are going to be able to reach more children. What fuels me is the amazing people that I have met and who have helped me on this journey. I am most looking forward to the coaching with the three CEOs which is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an entrepreneur like me to leverage the expertise of the best in the business.”
The judges were thoroughly impressed with Megan’s unique business, entrepreneurial spirit, and plans for growth for Finding Voices.
“This year’s judging process has been especially difficult with numerous strong contenders who applied, but Megan was the clear forerunner due to her sense of purpose and the social impact of her business.
Her submission also resonated at a personal level, as both Roanne (Jacobson) and I have had our children undergo speech therapy in the past. Therefore, we recognise the need for this therapy in our communities and more awareness about the services on offer to help those in need,” said Natasha Bourke, CEO of Dermalogica.
As part of the grand prize Megan King will also receive a 2-day workshop from The Icehouse and a ‘Knowing Your Numbers Session’ with Frank Accounting. Plus, a $1000 SABEN voucher and a Dermalogica voucher to the value of $1000 worth of professional-grade skincare products.
Roanne Jacobson, CEO of SABEN, announced, “We are also really excited to see Alicia Haszard of PĀMU awarded the start-up prize. PĀMU is a unique Māori owned and operated jewellery brand created by Alicia, who is a passionate innovator and entrepreneur with big plans, including opening a brick-and-mortar store this year. We felt Alicia could benefit most from the coaching as both Natasha and I have experience in this area.”
Alicia was grateful for the opportunity and commented on the positive impact this would have on PĀMU’s future and would help PĀMU flourish and bring them closer to showcasing their beautiful designs to the world.
Anita Sherry the runner-up for the EmpowHER Scholarship, won a prize valued at $5,695 which includes coaching with each of the three CEOs plus other great prizes from the brands. “Sherry Kitchen has been a labour of love for me,” said Anita. “My business mentor sadly passed away and not having someone to soundboard off, and to offer advice to take my business to the next level has been challenging.”
Liz Wotherspoon, CEO of The Icehouse concluded, “Sadly we are going through challenging economic times which are impacting all businesses no matter their size, but it appears small
businesses are being hit especially hard. There is a greater need for scholarships such as EmpowHER to support women in business to thrive. We are so excited to assist Megan, Anita, and Alicia on their journeys to take their brands to the next level.
Stay tuned to the progress of these three entrepreneurs and their mentorship via Dermalogica, Saben, and The Icehouses’ social media channels.