How women-owned businesses are reshaping demand for commercial property
Since Women’s Month shines a spotlight on the achievements of South African women, it’s an ideal opportunity to recognise the growing impact that female entrepreneurs are having on South Africa’s commercial and industrial property market.
As more women establish and expand successful businesses, they are creating demand for offices, retail premises and industrial facilities that support every stage of business growth. This presents opportunities not only for entrepreneurs but also for landlords, developers and commercial property professionals. 3Cube Property Solutions looks at some examples of how women-owned businesses are reshaping demand for commercial property across South Africa.
The rise of women-owned businesses in South Africa
Women-owned businesses are becoming an increasingly important part of South Africa’s economy, contributing to job creation, innovation and the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Research unveiled by Mastercard in 2025 reveals that 57% of South African women identify as entrepreneurs, surpassing the average in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa by 6%. The report also reveals that 71% of South African women are interested in starting their own businesses. This drive towards self-employment is particularly prevalent among Gen Z women, indicating that the generation of women entering the workforce are choosing to create their own opportunities through entrepreneurship.
Another interesting statistic showcases the importance of side hustles among South African women. These are commonly used as stepping stones to full-time entrepreneurship and 55% of women have a side hustle, according to the research. The motivation behind these extra jobs is threefold: earning more money, gaining financial independence and creating a financial safety net. Diving further into motivation, the research showed that 45% of respondents wanted freedom from traditional employment and 41% believed that their ideas could change lives for the better.
The list of ideas that South African women have brought to life as entrepreneurs includes some truly remarkable examples. From Sarah Collins, who invented an insulated non-electric slow-cooker, to Rapelang Rabana, who founded one of South Africa’s first digital learning companies, the accomplishments are astounding and the possibilities limitless. These successes illustrate how innovative ideas can grow into enterprises that soon require dedicated premises.
How women-led SMEs are driving demand for offices, retail space and industrial units
As more women-owned businesses move beyond the startup phase, many reach a point where dedicated premises become essential. While many begin operating from home, growth often brings the need for more space and better facilities:
- Flexible office space: As more women-led SMEs establish themselves, interest in flexible office space continues to grow. These workspaces eliminate the need for expensive long-term leases, helping founders save money and reduce financial risk. They also provide professional meeting spaces, shared amenities and networking opportunities without the high upfront costs of a traditional office.
- Well-located retail premises: Women-owned businesses in retail often choose to set up shop in spaces with a high foot traffic. These bring in steady customers, cutting back on marketing costs. Being in a busy, accessible area builds instant trust with shoppers and makes it easy for local families to drop by. With safety being a priority, well-lit, populated locations provide peace of mind during early opening or late closing hours.
- Smaller industrial units and warehouses: These properties, especially amongst e-commerce and logistics businesses, have become a sought-after space for women-led SMEs to store inventory and package orders without taking on massive overhead. Their smaller footprint allows founders to start lean and scale up as sales grow, keeping financial risk low.
- Scalable premises: Women-led SMEs are also favouring properties that can expand as sales and business needs change. This flexibility eliminates the risk of paying for unused square footage early on while avoiding the cost and disruption of moving to a new address later. Where capital can be a challenge, these properties allow business-minded women to protect their cash flow, scale operations smoothly and focus funds on building their brands.
What these businesses look for when leasing premises
Once a business is ready to buy or lease commercial premises, choosing the right property becomes about far more than simply finding enough space. Right at the top of the wishlist is affordable pricing. For women-led SMEs, keeping upfront deposits and monthly rental overheads manageable ensures cash flow stays under control. This gives them the freedom to set up emergency funds or invest back into business growth.
These businesses are also showing a preference for flexible lease terms, which can lower risk when market conditions change. Location and accessibility are also important, making sure it’s easy for teams, clients, and suppliers to get to the front door. Founders are also focusing on finding premises with room to expand, so they can scale up seamlessly without the headache of moving down the line.
Whether a business is looking for its first office, a retail storefront or a larger warehouse, choosing the right premises can play an important role in long-term success. With a thorough understanding of the needs of growing businesses in Gauteng and the Western Cape, 3Cube Property Solutions is an ideal partner to help you find the right premises for your business. Get in touch today to find commercial, industrial or retail premises that support your business now and into the future.