Gauteng: An investment of approximately R1 million in productive equipment is set to strengthen 60 women-owned businesses in eThekwini, helping entrepreneurs increase productivity, expand their operations, create livelihoods, and unlock opportunities for growth. According to South African Government News Agency, the handover took place on Monday during the Women in Business Symposium held under the theme: "From Survival to Scale: Unlocking Growth for Women-Owned Enterprises". Led by Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni, the symposium brought together women entrepreneurs, government, development institutions, business experts, and other stakeholders. The gathering sought to address barriers that continue to constrain the growth of women-owned enterprises, including access to finance, markets, business opportunities, networks, and productive assets. The handover formed part of the Informal Micro Enterprises Development Programme (IMEDP), an initiative of the Department of Small Business Developm ent aimed at supporting enterprises to move from survival towards sustainable growth. Ndabeni stated that providing women with productive assets is critical to improving their capacity to grow their businesses and contribute meaningfully to the economy. "Supporting women entrepreneurs with productive equipment is about more than providing an asset. It is about improving productivity, strengthening their ability to meet demand, create employment, and build sustainable businesses. When women have the tools to grow, they are better positioned to participate meaningfully in the economy, support their families, and create opportunities within their communities," the Minister said. In his welcome address, eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba reiterated that government must create an environment where women-owned businesses can move beyond survival and participate meaningfully in economic growth. "Too many women-owned businesses remain trapped in a cycle of survival. Women possess the talent, resilience, and dr ive, but continue to face barriers to finance, markets, productive assets, and technology. We must enable the growth of sustainable and scalable women-owned businesses across all sectors, including industries that have historically been exclusive," Xaba said. The beneficiaries received equipment tailored to their respective businesses. Mandisa Gwexa from Mariannhill was among the beneficiaries at Monday's gathering. The 27-year-old entrepreneur received equipment to support her beauty salon, 'Nailed It.' She said the equipment will help her grow her business, serve more clients, and create opportunities for others. "I also want to use my experience and skills to train and empower other women with skills that can help them become economically independent," said Gwexa. Gwexa's journey started in 2021 with support from eThekwini Municipality, which gave her an opportunity to build and strengthen her business. "Today, receiving support through national government shows what is possible when interventions connec t with entrepreneurs at different stages of their journey," Gwexa said.