MODEL TRAINING PROGRAM FOR WOMEN ENTERPRENEURESHIP COOPERATIVE

 

 Online interactive webinars led by global business experts and thoughtleadersOne-on-one mentoring from senior business professionalsIndividual applied learning activities Online and offline peer networking and feedbackThe USA Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (USAWEC) is a 3-month businessleadership and management blended-learning program run by the Center forGlobal Enterprise (CGE).
The inaugural cohort of U.S.-based entrepreneurs will run from August 1-October 30, 2021 and will expose 50 female business owners to the skills neededto build successful, resilient, and scalable businesses. Delivered by renowned business leaders and covering three critical managementareas for capacity-building including finance, operations, and sales & marketing;the curriculum is designed to meet American business owners’ most pressingneeds, especially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. CGE has a proven track record of designing innovative, collaborative, and highlyengaging applied learning programs. Participants are matched with programmentors and peer groups, enabling them to gain valuable network connectionsand practical insights. The program's blended-learning model delivers high-impact through thefollowing core program activities: The USAWEC pilot program is inspired by the success of the African WomenEntrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC), a 12-month, high-touch leadership andmanagement learning program that empowers women from across Africancontinent with the skills and networks needed to build resilient, sustainable andscalable businesses. In the past three years, AWEC has directly impacted more than 600 womenbusinesses owners from 52 African countries, enabling them to increase theirrevenue, hire new employees, raise capital, and strengthen critical businessmanagement skills, despite the challenges of a global pandemic.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
USAWECThe Center for Global Enterprise Initiative

WHO CAN APPLY ?
USAWECThe Center for Global Enterprise Initiative
Founders of businesses in the United States of America and its territories that havebusinesses in operation for at least two years in any industry, and have at least oneemployee (either full time or part-time) Past business owners in the United States of America and its territories that hadbusinesses in operation for at least two years in any industry, with at least oneemployee (either full time or part-time) and currently shut down due to the COVID-19pandemic.Individuals who are willing and able to work remotely, embrace teamwork andcollaboration, and are comfortable using digital tools (Zoom, Slack, WhatsApp, etc.)Proficient in verbal and written EnglishAble to regularly (weekly) access the Internet through a computer or tabletUSAWEC admissions do not discriminate based on race, religion, age, disability,marital status, education, business revenue, or geographic location.Women who are OR

Note: Founders of NGOs or nonprofit organizations are not eligible to apply for this pilotprogram.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR?
Vision, passion, empathy, and resilienceBusiness clarity and commitmentDesire to scale their businessUSAWEC seeks to build a diverse cohort in which participants share some consistent characteristics:HOW YOU WILL BENEFIT?
USAWECThe Center for Global Enterprise Initiative
Form connections with a diverse network of American women entrepreneurs andbusiness leadersEstablish a relationship with a senior business mentorStrengthen strategy, leadership and business management skillsGain practical skills in finance, operations, and sales and marketing needed to grow andscale their enterpriseDevelop a toolkit of soft skills, including self-confidence, resilience and collaborationUpon successful completion of the 3-month program, participants will:

Spend an average of 4-6 hours per week participating in USAWEC activities, primarilyin a remote formatBe matched with a mentor and to take ownership of their mentor/mentee relationshipBe introduced to a peer group, and actively contribute to group discussions and activitiesParticipate in at least one USAWEC activity per week throughout the program,including zoom-enabled meetingsBe challenged, stretched, and inspired as they acquire new knowledge Develop skills, build their peer network, and transform their businessesGain access to a program advisor from whom they can seek support when neededRespond to periodic program surveys Participants should expect to:
WHAT TO EXPECT?
IMPORTANT DATES
The USAWEC application window will be open from June 9-June 23, 2021The inaugural Cohort will run from August 1, 2021 to October 30, 2021 including a five day
online orientation period during the last week of July 2021. Monthly activities include: a live speaker session, assignment, peer session, peer feedback and1:1 mentoring session. Welcome session will be held on August 3, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM ETLive sessions will be held on August 5, September 9 & October 7 from 11:00 AM-12:30 PM ETMid-program keynote session will be held on September 23, 10:00-11:00 ETGeneral assembly for qualified participants will be held on November 3-4 in Nashville, whichwill provide an opportunity for networking and in-person learning (following appropriatevaccination, distancing protocols, and safety protocols