Dermalogica and SABEN have announced the 2024 recipients of the EmpowHER and start-up scholarships for business acceleration powered by The Icehouse. This year's prizes and opportunities were huge; the total prize pool exceeded $31,000.
The 2024 winners were the Winner of the EmpowHER scholarship, Megan King of Finding Voices, Runner-up for EmpowHER: Anita Sherry of Sherry Kitchen and Winner of the Start-up category Alicia Haszard of PĀMU,
The EmpowHER prize also included 12 months of personalised business coaching from the CEOs of all three brands: Natasha Bourke from Dermalogica, Roanne Jacobson from SABEN, and Liz Wotherspoon from The Icehouse.
“I am ecstatic to have won EmpowHER. It is the next step the business needs and means we will be able to reach more children. The amazing people I have met who have helped me on this journey are what fuel me,” said King.
“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.”
As part of the grand prize, King received a two-day workshop from The Icehouse and a ‘Knowing Your Numbers Session’ with Frank Accounting, a $1000 SABEN voucher and a $1000 Dermalogica voucher for professional-grade skincare products.
Natasha Bourke, CEO of Dermalogica, was thoroughly impressed with King’s unique business, entrepreneurial spirit, and plans for growth for Finding Voices. Roanne Jacobson, CEO of SABEN, expressed excitement about PĀMU, a Māori-owned and operated jewellery brand, opening a physical store this year.
“I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity. It will not only have a positive impact on PĀMU's future but will help PĀMU flourish and bring us closer to our goal of showcasing our beautiful designs to the world,” said Haszard.
Liz Wotherspoon, CEO of The Icehouse, also acknowledged the challenging economic times impacting all businesses regardless of their size and the greater need for scholarships such as EmpowHER to support women in business and help them thrive.
