Men, watch out as FF drives female entrepreneurs

The problems plaguing female entrepreneurs, especially the African ones, are said to be legion.

From gender discrimination to finance access, female entrepreneurs often end up frustrated unless they’re very strong and determined.

But every problem has a solution, and one of the ways which have been identified that can make them really thrive is through partnership.

Based on that premise, Future Females is bringing them together in partnerships that are so successful the men will soon be left behind.

From a team of two in 2017 to the present state of 26 chapters across Africa, Australia, Europe and North America, a growing online community of 30K female entrepreneurs and now a thriving local coworking space, FF is a Cape Town success story worth paying attention to.

“For early-stage solopreneurs, the process of starting a business can be a lonely one, and getting stuck in your own head is almost unavoidable. The growth of Future Females has helped combat this. The community we’ve created is a source of support, advice and encouragement that would otherwise be absent,” Lauren Dallas, Co-founder, Future Females, said.

Apart from the obvious numbers-based growth, the real power of its rise comes from what underlies it: a shared vision of a platform that empowers female entrepreneurs to connect, be inspired, inspire others and feel supported to create, fail and ultimately win.

The movement is underpinned by a framework that helps members to maximise their four scarce resources – time, money, energy and relationships – to transform their businesses, careers and lives.

The FF community isn’t only forward thinking in what they work for, but also how they work, and a partnership with Ideas Cartel has been a crucial growth partner in this regard, providing a beautifully curated, inspiring work environment in which the company could not only comfortably scale, but thrive in the process.

“We're so proud to have Future Females as part of the entrepreneurial community at Ideas Cartel. Their story is inspiring, and has also acted as a proof point for us – that the Inner City spaces we've built are doing their part to create connection, drive innovation and support growth,” Schuyler Vorster of Ideas Cartel, said.

As one of IC’s four business pillars, Inner City focuses on creating thoughtful, resilient workspaces for ambitious entrepreneurs, freelancers, creatives and business travellers. These inspiring spaces are intentionally crafted to facilitate an essential element of innovation: connection—connection with people, places and spaces; and of ideas, perspectives and purpose.

In September 2019, FF moved into their own private space to launch one of the first female-focused South Africa workspaces at IC’s 113 Loop Street premises. The design of the space was based on feedback from a co-creation workshop held with potential tenants to ensure it met their requirements.

Launching on February 1, 2020, the expanded coworking space includes hot desks at R1,700 per month, fixed desks at R2,600 per month and private offices starting from R12,500 for two people. For an additional R250 per month, FF members can also access the rooftop pool.

“You become like the people you surround yourself with. We’ve created a space where everyone shares the same vision and is there to support one another on the entrepreneurial journey,” Sasha Zakharova, Program Manager, Future Females, said.

FF and ICl share a belief in the entrepreneurial lifestyle—a wholesome, holistic approach to working life fueled by passion and a desire to drive change in the world.

The FF coworking space is a reflection of this belief where everyone is supported in working towards their goals.

If you want to become a member, email coworking@futurefemales.co for more information.